The Ombudsman’s office has cautioned the public against impersonators who ask for money promising to solve some of their issues. Jean Pierre Nkurunziza, the spokesperson of the Ombudsman’s office, said in a statement that some people promise to connect their eventual victims to judges, while others impersonate judges, Ombudsman’s office staff, and police personnel. He cited a case in Rubavu District, where the Police arrested one Eric Hakizimana, who was allegedly posing as a judge at Rubavu High Court. The 38-year-old suspect, currently held at Kanzenze Police Station, was allegedly telephoning unsuspecting people asking money from them purportedly to expedite their cases and assuring them they would win the case. He would ask the victims to send the money through mobile money platforms. Hakizimana was alleged arresteed red-handed as he received Rwf100,000 from a victim who had already paid him Rwf94,000. He was found in possession of two mobile phones and seven simcards registered using fake national identity card numbers. In another incident, Thomas Niyongira was arrested in Gacurabwenge, Kamonyi District, after allegedly promising to connect the victims to the president of Gacurabwenge Primary Court to deliver the ruling in their favour. He had asked for Rwf100,000 from his victims, Police said. Police said, in another incident, Daniel Nkundimana was arrested impersonating Ombudsman’s office staff, claiming to be following up issues affecting people’s access to justice. He would allegedly ask for a refund from his victims for transport, food and other expenses. “Citizens should be vigilant and watch out for such conmen. Government services are delivered at known places and the costs are officially known,” Aloysie Cyanzayire, the Chief Ombudsman said, adding that any corruption cases should be immediately reported to the Police or the Ombudsman office. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
