Three Gicumbi District officials held over forgery

Police in Gicumbi are investigating circumstances under which three people, including the district executive secretary, allegedly colluded to forge documents in a bid to embezzle public funds.

Saturday, November 04, 2017

Police in Gicumbi are investigating circumstances under which three people, including the district executive secretary, allegedly colluded to forge documents in a bid to embezzle public funds.

According to Police, two suspects – Bernard Bihezande, the district executive secretary; and Jacques Ntezurundi – were arrested on Tuesday, while Focas Mukunzi, the third suspect, was arrested on Thursday.

Speaking to Saturday Times, Inspector of Police Innocent Gasasira, the Northern regional police spokesperson, said the two suspects accused along the executive secretary were in charge of good governance.

By press time, they were all held at Byumba Police Station.

Gasasira said the trio planned to steal public funds claiming that the money was used on different activities but were discovered before their mission could materialise.

"Investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the motive, even if they were caught before they took the money, they are still suspects and should be held responsible for the crime,” said Gasasira.

The suspects allegedly planned to embezzle Rwf10 million.

Gasasira urged the public to be vigilant, especially public servants, and avoid any misdeeds adding that there is no crime that can be tolerated.

According to the Penal Code, forgery attracts between seven and 10 years in jail upon conviction, and or fines ranging between two and five times the amount embezzled.

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