Three leaders of the Nyanza-based security cooperative Umoja ni Nguvu have been arrested and charged with embezzlement, following allegations connected to a missing employee.
The accused are Munyanziza Pascal, the cooperative president; Vincent Hategekimana, head of personnel; and Kayumba Charles, night operations manager. They appeared before the Busasamana Primary Court for provisional detention hearings, after being held at the RIB Busasamana station for several days.
The cooperative, which provides security services at Nyanza main market, schools, and other sites, is facing charges of misappropriating cooperative funds and forging documents. According to the prosecution, Pascal and Kayumba authorized withdrawals and used funds for personal gain, while Vincent allegedly manipulated staff salaries, paying personnel who did not work. The amount involved reportedly exceeds 50 million Rwandan francs.
Prosecutors are seeking continued provisional detention as investigations continue, noting that others, including Eugene Nsabimana, previously responsible for employee payments, remain at large after fleeing justice.
During his hearing, Vincent Hategekimana denied all charges, claiming the accusations were fabricated by Nsabimana, who allegedly misappropriated cooperative funds. He asked the court to release him so he could assist in locating Nsabimana, whom he said had betrayed the cooperative.
Vincent’s lawyer, Me Célestin Nshimiyimana, argued that the claims about staff salary manipulation were false, pointing out that employee records and accounts were properly documented. He requested that his client be released.
Kayumba Charles and Munyanziza Pascal are represented by Me Jean Paul Mpayimana, who told the court that Nsabimana altered client signatures and withdrew funds for personal benefit, despite oversight by the Rwanda Cooperative Agency. He argued that the cooperative president should not be held accountable for mismanagement by the manager.
Me Mpayimana further urged that his clients be investigated without detention, noting that they are local residents with clean records who can comply with judicial directives.
The name Eugene Nsabimana was repeatedly mentioned in court; he is accused of mismanaging cooperative payments and remains at large, with authorities suspecting he fled justice.
The court is expected to rule on provisional detention later this month. Meanwhile, the cooperative Umoja ni Nguvu has appointed a new management committee.
