GICUMBI - The police in Gicumbi District have arrested a customs officer of Buhita border post in Burera District for allegedly bribing a police officer.

Paul Niyonzima, who is currently detained at Byumba Police station, was arrested in Byumba Sector, after he was caught red-handed giving out a bribe of Rwf 100,000 to a police officer to let a  truck ferrying goods to enter the country after the police officer had learnt that the said truck had not paid taxes.

Speaking to the press, Niyonzima, who heads customs office at the border post, denied the allegations saying he was giving the money to the policeman because he had earlier told him that he was broke.

"He had told me to assist him as some one who was known to him. But for sure, I was not bribing him,” Niyonzima explained.

However, Niyonzima contradicted himself when he added that the police officer had a grudge against him.

The District Police Commander, Supt. Bertin Rutsindura, confirmed that Niyonzima was caught trying to bribe a police officer.

"First of all, I thank the police officer for fulfilling his duties in reporting this matter because they face a lot of temptations through such  culprits who try to bribe them,”  Rutsindura said, adding that the police have learnt of several corruption related incidences at the Buhita border post.

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