Errant driver knocks Police officer

THREE people including a traffic officer were on Tuesday knocked down by an errant speeding driver in Kamonyi District.The driver, now in police custody, allegedly refused to comply with traffic police’s directive to stop.The suspect, Philbert Hitimana, who was driving vehicle registration number RAB 637R, Toyota Coaster, according to police, hit Corporal Patrick Akumuyange, while trying to speed off.Other victims have been identified as Deo Niyonzima and a cyclist identified as Fabien Hagenimana, who were on the roadside. All the victims were evacuated to University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK). The suspect is currently detained at Runda Police Station. Two vehicles which were parked at the roadside were also hit during the incident. According to police, the driver was over speeding and refused to stop when ordered to do so. The spokesperson Supt. Theos Badege cautioned drivers against “careless driving and disregarding traffic regulations,” which he said have led to “loss of innocent lives.” The suspect now faces charges of assault and battery resulting from lack of foresight and precaution as prescribed under article 158. It states that if assault and battery result from lack of foresight and precaution, the offender shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of eight days to two months and a fine of Rwf100, 000 to Rwf500, 000 or one of these penalties.However, if the offender has caused bodily injuries to many people, he/she is liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf1m or one of these penalties.

National

Errant driver knocks Police officer