Police deny neglecting Makonene murder

The Rwanda National Police has maintained that investigations into the case involving the murder of Gustave Makonene, who was killed in July last year in Rubavu District, was “never neglected or closed.”Last week, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleged that investigations into the murder of the former coordinator of Transparency International Rwanda in Rubavu District, Western Province had “stalled” and that Rwanda kept “silent” about it.“The case is still open to investigations, even though the case file and suspects were forwarded to prosecution. We welcome everyone, including the HRW, with information that might bring to justice all those responsible for this criminal act,” ACP Damas Gatare, the Rwanda National Police Spokesperson, said. Makonene’s body was found on the shores of Lake Kivu on July 18.Following investigations, four people, who included a Police officer, were arrested in connection with the murder but later released by prosecution and court for lack of enough evidence.It was later established that the Police officer was just a friend to one of the staff, contrary to allegations that he was spying on the deceased.ACP Gatare added that they were not aware of any corruption case involving a police officer, which the HRW alleged that the deceased was working on at the time of his murder.Even if it was the case, Gatare said, reporting or investigating a Police officer over graft “has never been a threat to anybody, especially that the force maintains a zero tolerance stance to corruption”.“It wouldn’t be the first time a Police officer is investigated over graft. Some officers have been investigated, prosecuted and others dismissed from the force. We have been working with the community and other partners, including Transparency International Rwanda, to fight the vice,” the Police spokesperson said.Last year, Rwanda National Police arraigned 34 Police officers before journalists, who were arrested in connection with graft-related crimes.Contrary to the Human Rights Watch claims that the case was not given due attention, Police said the case was given the weight serious crimes deserve, and have been working with the public and relevant institutions, including Transparency International Rwanda, in investigating it.