{Two young women, Beatrice Dusabimana, 25, and Aime Martine Mutoni, 21, are under police custody after being caught trying to solicit for money in shops in Kinyinya. }
Arrested early morning yesterday, the two were found in possession of fake badges that helped them to masquerade as employees of Rwanda Revenue Authority and a total of Rwf3,000 that they had collected from different shops.
The Police Spokesperson of Kigali City, Superintendent Modeste Mbabazi, said that they were reported by concerned shopkeepers who were suspicious that they were being charged unclear taxes.
“It is clear that the two suspects had been doing this illegal activity for a while. I commend the responsible citizens who alerted police and enabled us to conduct investigations until we arrested them,” Superintendent Mbabazi said.
“Laws in Rwanda are clear, and it is important that people read these laws so that they avoid those who want to con them of their hard earned money. Whenever there is suspicion, alert Police and we shall ensure that the public is protected from such criminals.”
RRA commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services, Drocella Mukashyaka, decried the fraudulent activity and reminded the public, especially traders that taxes are streamlined and suspects should be reported to authorities before they cause any harm.
Jean Damascene Ngizwenayo a shop owner in Kinyinya accounted that he had previously been tricked into paying the two women Rwf3000 in what they had called a “patent tax.”
“They approached me saying that they were collecting patent tax on behalf of RRA. I gave it to them although I suspected them, and am glad that they have been arrested,” he said.
The two are likely to be charged under article 609 of the Penal Code which stipulates that; any person who forges or alters documents by forged signature or impersonation, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of five to seven years and a fine between Rwf300,000 and Rwf3 million.
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