A laboratory technician at Matimba health center in Nyagatare District has been arrested for attempting to defraud people and issuing them with fake Covid-19 test results.
Jean Bosco Renzaho, 35, was arrested Sunday, February 20, after some people complained about the fake test results, according to the Eastern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana.
SP Twizeyimana said that Renzaho was issuing issuing negative Covid-19 results without taking tests.
“Renzaho was reported by three people, who wanted to attend a wedding but first went to Matimba health center to do a Covid-19 test as required.
However, Renzaho gave them negative results even without taking their tests. Realising that what he had done was wrong, the three people decided to report the unlawful act leading to Renzaho’s arrest,” SP Twizeyimana said.
He warned against such inappropriate and unethical behaviours, which can lead to the spread of Covid-19.
The spokesperson thanked those who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspect. He urged the public to be vigilant against such deceptive and criminal practices.
Renzaho was handed over to RIB at Matimba station for further legal process.
Article 276 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that any person, who in any manner, forges or alters documents by forged signature or fingerprint, falsifying documents or signatures or impersonation, forging agreements, its provisions, obligations, or discharged obligations, commits an offence.
Any person who, with fraudulent intention, produces a false written document, causes to write false statements or produces a conflicting declaration, is considered to commit the offence of forgery.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.(End)