MUHANGA/RUHANGO-Five drivers are in custody for allegedly attempting to bribe traffic police officers.

Those arrested were identified as Eric Gatoto(37), Issa Muhayimana (30), Nathanael Ntakirutimana (24), of Muhanga, and Vincent Nsanzimana (34), Félicien Twagirayezu (30) of Ruhango.

Another driver, Emmanuel Bizumuremyi (49) of Ruhango eluded arrest and is being pursued, according to police sources.

Area police stated that the group was caught red-handed on Thursday, as they separately tried to offer bribes of Rwf 2,000 and Rwf 5,000 to police officers.

All the suspects admitted to the crime except one, Nathanael Ntakirutimana who alleged that the police officers had asked for a bribe of Rwf 10,000 but he instead offered Rwf 5,000.

"My motorbike was confiscated for parking illegally but the police asked for a token and I was arrested while handing it over," Ntakirutimana claimed.

Gatoto, confessed that: "My vehicle had a mechanical problem and I wanted to ease my case by buying soda for the traffic officers."

Police spokesman, Theos Badege, said that road users have been educated on the dangers of corruption and the law would strictly be enforced.

"Bribery by road users will not be tolerated. They should desist from bribing police officers because they incur a greater loss when netted," Badege said.

"Police encourages road users to join the battle against corruption instead of being victims of the law."

Ends