KARONGI — Three detained staff members of Kibuye Hospital were yesterday formally charged with embezzlement of Rwf 24 million belonging to the facility and breaching procurement laws.

Innocent Sevumba, Dominique Xavier Nzanana and Leandre Ntigurirwa, appeared before Bwishyura Primary Court but they all denied the charges.

They sought bail that was turned down by presiding judge, Samuel Murenzi.

Ntigurirwa, the hospital’s Environmental Health Officer, argued that his office is not answerable to the audit report, a claim that the judge turned down.

"We shall discuss those details when the trial begins in substance. What is most important now is to reconcile your new support documents with the auditor’s report,” Murenzi ruled.

They were arrested following an audit report conducted by district authorities between 2008 and 2010, which showed extra expenditures without support documents, especially in fuel, transport and meeting costs.

Prosecution led by Venuste Minani requested for more time before trial begins, saying the defence had brought in extra documents which they needed to scrutinise.

"I agree that this is one way of ensuring a fair trial for the suspects,” said Minani.

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