Senior police officers’suspension confirmed

KIGALI -  The Commissioner General of Police, Andrew Rwigamba and the Criminal Investigation Department boss, Costa Habyara, were indefinitely suspended last Thursday. Internal Security Minister Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana yesterday finally confirmed the suspension. He said Rwigamba and Habyara were suspended together with the head of police training school in Gishari, Peter Sano. “The three were suspended by the President. The reasons regarding their suspension will be communicated to you later,” Harelimana said by phone. Between Thursday and Saturday evening, government and police officials had remained evasive and none could go on record regarding the matter. 

Sunday, June 29, 2008
Suspended : Former police boss Andrew Rwigamba. (File photo)

KIGALI -  The Commissioner General of Police, Andrew Rwigamba and the Criminal Investigation Department boss, Costa Habyara, were indefinitely suspended last Thursday. Internal Security Minister Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana yesterday finally confirmed the suspension. He said Rwigamba and Habyara were suspended together with the head of police training school in Gishari, Peter Sano. "The three were suspended by the President. The reasons regarding their suspension will be communicated to you later,” Harelimana said by phone. Between Thursday and Saturday evening, government and police officials had remained evasive and none could go on record regarding the matter.

Police Spokesman Willy Marcel Higiro had said he could not confirm because the issue was too sensitive for him.
The New Times broke the story yesterday basing on reliable police sources.

In the absence of the police chief, the deputy commissioner general, Mary Gahonzire, is said to be running the show. The New Times could not by press time independently verify reports that suggest the suspension of the trio was related to a shoddy tender in police.

Tenders in some government departments have in the past raised many questions with persistent reports from the Auditor General that the process is sometimes marred by lack of transparency and fair competition.

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