Police in Musanze District are holding four people for allegedly attempting to sell a yet-to-be identified chemical substance to unsuspecting persons, claiming it was original mercury. 

The suspects were found in possession of a bottle of a chemical element. Mercury, the only metal that is liquid, is used in weather instruments such as thermometers, barometers, manometers, float valves, mercury switches, fluorescent lamps and other devices.

One suspect, who is said to be the owner, allegedly asked for Rwf3 million from a client. Another suspect said he wanted Rwf15 million from the deal so that he would give the unsuspecting client Rwf3 million, Police said.

Police described the suspects as ‘cheats’ who wanted to defraud people and give them an artificial product claiming it was of original quality. To make matters worse, the deal was illegal, Police said.

Northern Region Police Spokesperson Francis Gahima said the suspects were arrested, thanks to collaborative efforts of the community policing committee in the area.

He described the act as "cheating” and "illegal” saying people lie to potential buyers about the quality and true value of items they are selling. 

"This is something that Rwandans should pay attention to. When someone sells you something check it first, to be sure you are not throwing away the money you could have used in other business activities,” said Gahima.

One of the suspects claimed that she inherited the ‘mercury’ from her husband, a former soldier. 

The suspects face charges of ‘cheating’ and dealing in illegal trade.