Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Tuesday April 7, arrested three people in Karenge Sector, Rwamagana District with counterfeit money amounting to Frw397, 000.

The suspects arrested in Nkongi Village of Kangamba Cell are identified as Eric Dusengimana, 28, Seraphine Mukandera, 28  and Chantal Nyirambarushimana, 35.

According to the Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the suspects were apprehended in partnership with local leaders following a tip-off by the area residents.

"Police received information about two people, who were frequenting the homes of Mukandera and Nyirambarushimana. Residents reported that they saw these same two men burrying unknown objects in the backyards, which raised suspicion and suspected a foul-play," CIP Twizeyimana said.

He added: "Dispatched Police officers first searched the house of Mukandera where they discovered blue ink-stained clothes. During interrogation, Mukandera disclosed that one Onesphore Manirafasha came to her house on April 03, from the Kigali with money amounting to Frw227,000, which he gave to Eric Dusengimana."

The money, Mukandera explained, was later buried in her backyard by Dusengimana.

The money was later unearthed and the duo taken into custody.

"Police officers continued to the house of Nyirambarushimana, where other counterfeit bills amounting to Frw170,000 were unearthed in the backyard. Nyirambarushimana also disclosed that it was given to her by Onesphore Manirafasha," CIP Twizeyimana said.

Manirafasha, who is yet to be arrested, was recently released from prison after completing his two-year sentence for fraud and deception.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Karenge station as the search for the prime suspect, Manirafasha, continues.

Article 269 of Law No 68/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states; any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence. 

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.