Hoax cheques land Senator in jail

KIGALI - Former Senator Beatrice Mukabaranga has been arrested for allegedly issuing bouncing cheques, The NewTimes has learnt. Mukabaranga who resigned from her seat in the Upper Chamber of Parliament last week, to pave way for investigations into the allegations was arrested on Friday evening. Her arrest comes days after the prosecution requested the lifting of her immunity to pave way for investigations into her case. When contacted yesterday, police spokesperson John Uwamungu confirmed the development. “Yes, her arrest has something to do with issuing bouncing cheques,” Uwamungu said in a telephone interview. By press time, Prosecution Spokesperson Augustin Nkusi had not confirmed whether Mukabaranga had appeared before Gasabo Court for mention of her case. A source from the Senate said yesterday that leaders “must be honest and straightforward.” Addressing a press conference at Parliament last week, Senate President Vincent Biruta, told journalists that they had received Mukabaranga’s resignation letter, after they had lifted her immunity as requested by prosecution to allow investigations into her case. Nkusi had earlier said the Senator was being accused of signing and issuing three cheques that bounced to yet unidentified individuals. Mukabaranga holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Sciences, and she has been a lecturer in a number of universities before serving as the Academic Vice-Rector, at the Kigali Institute of Education. At some point she also served as the Director General and later the Secretary General in the Ministry of Education.Before her resignation in the Senate, she was a member of the House’s Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights. Ends

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Hoax cheques land Senator in jail