Suspects in Karongi hospital case denied bail

KARONGI- Two of the three suspects accused of swindling Kibuye Hospital money in Karongi district were yesterday denied bail for the second time. Innocent Sevumba and Dominique Xaxier Nzanana the former Administrative Officer and Accountant respectively, were remanded to Gitarama Prison for 30 days as investigations go on. However, the third suspect, Leandre Ntigurirwa, a former Environmental Health Officer at the hospital was granted bail. The trio was jointly charged with embezzlement of Rwf 18.5 million and breaching procurement laws. Presiding Judge at Bwishyura Primary Court, Samuel Murenzi, ruled that that Ntigurirwa was not liable to the audit report which eventually led to his arrest. “I hereby rule that Ntugurirwa will be investigated while out of jail because he is not directly implicated in this case,” the Judge said. The case arose following an audit conducted between 2008 and 2010. Upon release, Ntigurirwa could not hide his excitement. “I am very happy that I am out on bail because I actually have proof my innocence,” he said. Meanwhile, it’s still not clear whether Dr Cyrille Dusengamungu the former hospital director will appear in court in connection with the case. Sevumba’s defence attorney, Felicien Bimenyimana, asked court to issue arrest warrant for Dusengamungu, arguing that he was one of the signatories at the time the money went missing. If convicted, the suspects face a jail sentence of five to ten years. sam.nkurunziza@newtimes.co.rw

National

Suspects in Karongi hospital case denied bail