A cashier at a savings and credit cooperative (SACCO) branch in Rugendabari Sector, Muhanga District has been arrested in connection with embezzlement of about Rwf7 million. Philbert Nshimiyimana was arrested on Wednesday after the branch management discovered alterations in financial records. Police spokesperson for the Southern region, Chief Inspector of Police Andre Hakizimana said that after they received the complaint, the cashier, the prime suspect, was taken into custody as investigations continue. “Preliminary investigations have since led to the recovery of some books where the suspect was recording the money that was allegedly embezzled,” CIP Hakizimana said. “Nshimiyimana had his personal record book aside, which he was using over time to record the customers’ deposits, which he never recorded in the ledger. Now that we have it, it will ease investigations but we have also requested the management of Sacco to conduct an audit to ascertain the exact amount of money missing,” he added. According to CIP Hakizimana, fighting mismanagement of public funds and corruption is among the Rwanda National Police priorities. “We appeal to the public to stand up and report such people, who want to use their offices for their personal ends. This is something that shouldn’t be tolerated by anybody,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
