The primary court of Nyarugenge has sentenced Abed Mutimura, commonly known as AB Godwin, a showbiz videographer, to a two-year term and a fine of Rwf 5 million for owning an unregistered unmanned aircraft and unauthorised use of a drone. Delivering the verdict on May, 26 the presiding judge pointed out that Mutimura is convicted of the crime of owning unauthorized drones and handed him two years sentence. However, half of the sentence is suspended implying that he only serve one year in jail. ALSO READ: You want to fly a drone in Rwanda? Here's what you're required to do The prosecution had previously requested three years sentence and a fine of Rwf5million. Prosecution pointed out that he used his two drones in shooting various video clips and some witnesses testified that he used drones while shooting their projects such as music videos, and movies among others. ALSO READ: Rwanda hosts Africa’s first drone flying competition next month In the hearing, Mutimura pledged guilty to having and using drones in his everyday work as a videographer, arguing that he was not aware that there are procedures to follow before using them, and requested a suspended or reduced sentence saying that he committed the crime unintentionally. His lawyers had also asked for his acquittal or suspended sentence arguing that he did not use them in a bad way or commit the crime purposely. Both sides have 30 days to appeal the court decision. As drones continue to become a tool used in activities like videography in Rwanda, there is a need to know that the country has put in place regulations that require the users to get authorisation before using them.
