MP under probe

BY JAMES MUNYANEZA A member of the Chamber of Deputies is under probe in connection with forgery charges. Jean Baptiste Zimulinda (PSD) is being investigated by the Prosecution Department of Nyarugenge District, Kigali City, on allegations of forgery. The Chamber of Deputies okayed the investigations last month in a closed door session, a parliamentarian said yesterday. “The Speaker presented to the Plenary the request of the Prosecutor General’s office to probe him (Zimulinda) and it was granted,” an MP said on condition of anonymity. The legislator added that as the members were considering the request, Zimulinda eased the task and offered himself up for investigations. “He offered himself to be investigated.” And Speaker Alfred Mukezamfura yesterday confirmed the development. “We were requested by the Prosecutor General’s office to allow them to investigate him but he remains an active parliamentarian,” Mukezamfura said. However, The New Times could not establish the exact charge leveled against the former lecturer-turned legislator. Mukezamfura said that the letter he received indicated that the accusation had something to do with forgery in Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga declined to comment, so did his deputy Alphonse Hitiyaremye. Similarly, the head of Nyarugenge Prosecution Department, Richard Muhumuza, could not delve into the details of the case. He however said they had already launched investigations into the MP’s case, adding that the lawmaker is accused of forgery. He also said that Zimulinda is suspected to have committed the crime at the time he was already a parliamentarian. Zimulinda, formerly a senior staff at the Institute of Agriculture and Livestock (ISAE) joined Parliament following the September 2003 parliamentary elections. “We have his file and at this stage, that is the most I can tell you,” Muhumuza said. Repeated efforts to speak to Zimulinda were fruitless by press time as he did not answer his cellular phone. The development comes in the wake of the August 9 arrest of another MP, Brig. Gen. (rtd) Sam Kanyemera Kaka, who is accused of facilitating the escape of a wanted Kigali City Assinapol Rwigara. ENDS

National

MP under probe