Miss Rwanda given suspended sentence for drink-driving

Divine Muheto, the reigning Miss Rwanda, has been handed a three-month suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of drink-driving and driving without a license. The court also imposed a fine of 190,000 Rwandan francs (approximately $140 or £109) on the beauty queen.

Muheto, 21, made headlines in Rwanda after crashing her car into an electricity pylon and a palm tree while driving home from a bar in the capital, Kigali, last month. Local news outlets, including The New Times, reported that the accident occurred in the early hours of the morning. At the time of the crash, Muheto reportedly fled the scene, but the court ultimately cleared her of the charge of hit-and-run, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to prove that she intentionally left the scene of the accident.

The beauty queen was not present at the court hearing, and neither was the prosecution, which had originally sought a two-year prison sentence. After spending 18 days in police custody, the judge ordered Muheto’s immediate release, having imposed the suspended sentence and fine. It remains unclear whether the prosecution will appeal the court’s decision.

Muheto has not made any public statements regarding the incident, but her legal team has stated that she feels deep remorse for her actions. They added that she has expressed regret and asked for forgiveness for her behavior.

This is not the first time that Muheto has been involved in an alcohol-related driving offense. Police sources in Rwanda have confirmed that she has a history of driving under the influence. Despite her young age, the beauty queen has gained significant public attention in Rwanda after winning the national Miss Rwanda competition in 2022.

The Miss Rwanda pageant, which has not been held since Muheto’s victory, was suspended by the government following sexual misconduct allegations against the competition’s organizers. As a result, the controversy surrounding Muheto’s arrest has added to the ongoing discussions about the country’s pageant industry and the conduct of its public figures.

Under Rwandan law, the penalty for drink-driving includes a fine of 150,000 Rwandan francs (about $110 or £85) and up to five days in police custody. Authorities have been increasingly strict in enforcing traffic laws, and thousands of individuals have been arrested for drink-driving in recent years as part of efforts to improve road safety in the country.

Muheto’s case highlights a broader societal issue in Rwanda, where drink-driving remains a significant problem. Despite the country’s strict traffic laws, many young people continue to drive under the influence, often with little regard for the consequences. The public nature of the case involving a prominent figure like Miss Rwanda has brought additional attention to the issue, particularly as Rwanda strives to improve its road safety record.

The suspended sentence imposed on Muheto is seen as a relatively lenient outcome compared to the two-year prison sentence originally requested by the prosecution. Nonetheless, the case has sparked debate over how public figures are treated in the Rwandan legal system and whether they are held to the same standards as other citizens.

As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the decision will be appealed or if the case will prompt further legal reforms, particularly in relation to the treatment of public figures and the enforcement of drink-driving laws. For now, Muheto’s career and public image have been marred by the incident, but the suspended sentence means she has avoided jail time, and her legal team is hopeful that she can put the episode behind her and move forward.

The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for individuals, particularly those in the public eye, to set a positive example for others. Rwanda’s law enforcement agencies have made it clear that they will continue to crack down on drink-driving, regardless of an individual’s status or position.