The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Monday, March 4 revealed they have in custody, Theoneste Rwagasore, a lawyer who deals in land issues in Kigali, on suspicion of soliciting, accepting, or offering illegal benefits. A statement from RIB reveals that Rwagasore is a member of a committee in Kigali responsible for resolving disputes related to land boundaries and public registration. The 53-year-old lawyer stands accused of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rwf 71,000 from a citizen who had filed a complaint with the committee. ALSO READ: Nearly 200 lawyers sanctioned over professional misconduct “Rwagasore is being prosecuted for soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rwf 71,000 to resolve a land boundary dispute brought to the attention of the Kigali authorities by a citizen,” reads part of the statement. Furthermore, it is disclosed that upon requesting for the money, Rwagasore informed the citizen that the funds were necessary for him to travel to the location where the incident occurred, stating that such actions were permitted. The land dispute in question took place in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District. Rwagasore was arrested on March 1 and is currently detained at the Rwezamenyo RIB station pending the transfer of his case to the prosecution. If convicted, he faces a prison term of five to seven years and a fine ranging from three to five times the amount of the bribery money received.
