The Rwanda Police have launched a crackdown on individuals who claim to be traditional healers but are actually scammers. These individuals deceive patients and their families by promising to cure them of their illnesses through prayer, but in reality, they only demand money. According to the police, these scammers often target vulnerable individuals who are desperate for a cure.
On September 21, 2026, the police announced that they had arrested several individuals who were operating in the Kicukiro district, in the Masaka sector. A total of 23 people were found in one of the homes, where they were being held against their will, and were allegedly being "treated" by a self-proclaimed traditional healer. The police found that some of the victims were actually sick and were taken to a hospital, while others were returned to their families.
The police spokesperson, CIP Gahonzire Wellars, stated that these scammers often demand large sums of money from their victims, leaving them and their families in poverty. In one case, the police found that the scammer was demanding 10,000 Rwandan francs (approximately $10 USD) from each patient, and was also taking additional money from them over time.
The police also arrested individuals in the Gasabo district, in the Kimironko sector, and in the Nyagatovu cell, where they found 20 people being held in a home, allegedly for "treatment". The police stated that these scammers often use coercion and intimidation to keep their victims captive.
According to CIP Gahonzire, the victims often spend a long time in these homes, and some have even been there for over a year. Some of the victims reported that they were forced to sell their property to pay for the fake treatments. The police are urging the public to be cautious of these scammers and to seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
The police stated that they will not tolerate these types of scams and will prosecute those who are found to be engaging in them. According to Rwandan law, specifically the law n°68/2018 of August 30, 2018, which outlines crimes and penalties, individuals who engage in this type of activity can face imprisonment and fines.
The police are urging the public to be aware of these scams and to report any suspicious activity. They are also encouraging people to seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals, rather than seeking out fake traditional healers.
Key points
- Rwandan police arrest individuals claiming to be traditional healers who deceive patients and their families.
- The scammers often demand large sums of money from their victims, leaving them and their families in poverty.
- The police are urging the public to be cautious of these scams and to seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
