KIGALI - The number of corruption cases has reduced by 52.6 percent since 2005, a report on crime recently released by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) indicates.

The report indicates that only 91 cases were registered by June this year compared to 192 cases recorded six years ago.

Corruption was at a record high in 2007 where it increased by 138 percent from 145 cases the previous year to 345 cases, according to the report.

Police Spokesperson, Supt. Eric Kayiranga said that the reduction was mainly due to the establishment of a section within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) specifically charged with investigating corruption-related crimes.

"Rwanda has made significant strides in fighting corruption and the Police force is committed to continue with this fight until it is significantly reduced,” Kayiranga said in an interview yesterday.

He added that thorough investigations into corruption have been made and a number of suspects arrested.

Kayiranga added that the community had  been sensitized in the fight against corruption through community policing and working hand-in-hand with law enforcement institutions and other stakeholders.

"All these have contributed to a significant reduction of corruption and related crimes which made Rwanda the least corrupt country in the region in recent rankings,” he said.

He observed that the Police leadership initiated a spirit of fighting corruption within all police officers, to ensure that every one embraces the commitment to deliver the best services.

"This goes with self discipline that characterizes most of our Police officers,” Kayiranga noted

He, however, noted that there are officers who succumb to corruption despite existing mechanisms, but he said that most of them have been caught and sacked.

"Those elements that were found corrupt were expelled from the police. Such officers go against the promotion of the core values and tarnish the image of the institution, which we cannot tolerate,” Kayiranga said.

Last year, RNP expelled about 10 officers for corruption and some of them have since been prosecuted.

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