Six people, including five police officers and the vice mayor in charge of economic affairs in Bugesera district, have been arrested in connection with the case of Jean Bosco Nsengiyumva, a suspected thief in Bugesera district whose arms were seriously injured by handcuffs while under police custody.

Leonille Narumanzi, the vice mayor, and the five police officers were arrested following police investigations into the role played by everyone involved in arresting and detaining Nsengiyumva at Ruhuha Police station in Bugesera in January.

When contacted, Superintendent Benoit Nsengiyumva, the police spokesman in Eastern Province, confirmed the arrests, adding that the suspects were expected to appear in Ruhuha Primary Court today.

Nsengiyumva's arms were amputated following the January injury.

The police spokesman explained that the vice mayor is accused of concealing an offence or failing to assist a person in danger since she allegedly visited Nsengiyumva at Ruhuha police station and could not report nor condemn the alleged torture case.

The five policemen, who include the Ruhuha Police station commander, are accused of battery or inflicting bodily injuries resulting in incurable illness or permanent incapacity.

Police added that the suspects were arrested separately early this month and investigations are going on to find more people connected to this alleged torture.

Supt. Nsengiyumva said the offence is misdemeanour, with punishment ranging between 5-10 years jail sentence upon conviction.