Prosecution takes over Apostle Yongwe's case
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Joseph Harerimana, a preacher known as Apostle Yongwe, was arrested for allegedly deceiving followers by making false promises of securing visas and job promotions. File

THE National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) has confirmed that it received the case file of Joseph Harerimana, a preacher known as Apostle Yongwe who was arrested on October 1 on charges related to fraudulent acquisition of other people’s property.

After arrest, he was detained at Kimihurura RIB station.

"We received the file from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Tuesday, October 10. He was interviewed, and the Prosecution is currently analyzing it to determine the next course of action,” said NPPA spokesperson Faustin Nkusi.

ALSO READ: RIB warns against ‘beliefs that put people in danger’

Three days after his arrest, on October 4, RIB Secretary General Jeannot Ruhunga warned against "people who use their beliefs to put others in danger.” Speaking during a press conference on security in the country, the RIB boss noted: "You cannot go out there and start taking advantage of people who have their own problems or are naive and ask them to give you their properties promising them to get fiancés.”

"This is not the kind of practice our country will tolerate. It is fraud and it is an offence penalised by our laws.”

"Get a visa or a promotion at work”

In a video that circulated on social media, Yongwe is seen telling a congregation to offer whatever they have to be able "get a visa or a promotion at work” and "partners for marriage.”

According to Rwanda’s Penal Code, any person who obtains another person’s property or finances by the use of false names or qualifications, or by offering positive promises or threats of future misfortunes, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, they are liable for a sentence of two to three years in prison and a fine of Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million.