Editor,

I wish to commend the police officer based in Rusasa Sector, Gakenke District, who on Tuesday, this week turned down a bribe from an Executive Secretary, Focus Uwimana, who tried to bribe him in a bid to frustrate ongoing investigations into a corruption case against the latter.

The policeman’s firm stand against bribery speaks volumes about the credibility and honesty on the part of our force. Police is charged with enforcing law and order and by refusing to take the offered bribe, the officer was able to demonstrate that the police, one of the organs charged with fighting corruption, is committed to riding society of this vice.

Graft is a cancer that can destroy an entire society if not fought collectively. It is unfortunate to learn that the Executive Secretary, a leader who should have been at the forefront in the fight against graft is the very person violating the law.

It is still early to apportion blame before a judicial process begins. But on conviction, I pray that Uwimana is handed a heavier punishment. Such harsh punishment will send a strong warning to other dishonest leaders.

Emmanuel Nshuti
Gisenyi