Rwanda National Police have announced the arrest of Nshuti Divine Muheto, crowned Miss Rwanda 2022, on allegations of multiple offenses, including “driving under the influence above the legal limit,” “damaging public infrastructure,” and “fleeing the scene.”
This announcement, released late Tuesday, October 29, 2024, quickly stirred social media, with many questioning her decision to drive despite reportedly being under the influence.
According to the Police statement, Miss Muheto does not possess a valid driver’s license. The statement confirmed her case file has been forwarded to the prosecution, which will determine whether to take the matter to court.
"Miss Muheto Divine was
detained for driving under the influence above the legal limit, driving without
a license, damaging public infrastructure, and fleeing the scene. This isn’t
her first incident of this nature,” the statement noted.
Muheto, 21, rose to fame
in 2022 when she won the Miss Rwanda title in a high-profile competition held
at Intare Conference Arena. However, the pageant was later suspended amid
sexual harassment allegations against its organizers, leaving the future of the
event uncertain. Many Rwandans continue to speculate whether Miss Rwanda will
return with enhanced protections for participants.
In Rwanda, a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% is the legal limit for drivers. Exceeding this limit incurs a fine of 150,000 Rwandan Francs and five days in police custody.
Driving without a license adds a fine of 50,000 Rwandan Francs, while hitting
public property incurs a penalty of 1 million Francs. The case against Muheto
has reignited discussions around road safety, especially for public figures.
Muheto isn’t the first high-profile personality in Rwanda to face such charges. In October 2019, artist Ngabo Médard, known as Meddy, was arrested for drunk driving, and in November 2022, a parliamentarian resigned after a DUI arrest.
Rwanda National
Police [RNP] ]has intensified road patrols, stating in a previous report that over 900
unlicensed drivers were detained between September and October 2023.
As the story develops,
Rwanda’s legal system will determine Muheto’s fate, potentially setting a
precedent for handling similar offenses among public figures.
Police arrest Miss Rwanda
2022, Nshuti Divine Muheto
Rwandan law mandates a five-day detention and fines for drunk driving
Kin
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