NORTHERN PROVINCE

The former Mayor of Gakenke district Epophrodite Mugemangango was this week remanded at Ruhengeri central prison.

Mugemangango appeared at Musanze High Instance Court last Friday April 18 and charged with committing a number of crimes.

He was taken to prison the following Monday April 21 because court proceedings reportedly closed late. The court was presided over by Fred Ndizeye. Prosecution alleges that the former Mayor committed a number of crimes that led to his sacking.

The charges include habouring and failing to avert genocide ideology reported in the district, neglect of duty and financial mismanagement among others.

According to sources, court did not set a specific day for his reappearance because prosecution is still collecting more incriminating evidence.

Mugemangango was arrested recently by Musanze police on charges that the Regional Police Commander, Peter Hodari described as ‘serious criminal crimes’ he allegedly committed during his tenure as the Mayor.

Without divulging details, Ndizeye told The New Times on Friday that the court will set the day of trial as soon as prosecution is ready.

Mugemangango was interdicted last month by the district advisory council.

According to a report produced by the council, the former Mayor caused financial loss of Frw4 million to the district after he reportedly ordered for the demolition of a house belonging to area resident called Silas Ntahontuye.

He used the money reportedly to compensate the house owner, without consulting the council yet the district had compensated the house earlier.

Other factors that were cited for his sacking include speeches in April 2007 in which he depicted double genocide in Rwanda.

On 8, 4 2007, during the thirteenth genocide anniversary, Mugemangango is said to have convened a parallel meeting at Nkundaburezi Primary School and he barred the sector executive from attending it.

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