The court stated that Major Jean Claude Habineza faces five charges, all allegedly committed in collaboration with his brother, Felix. These include: issuing uncovered checks, theft, falsifying documents, fraudulently obtaining someone else's property, and embezzlement.

According to the prosecution, the crimes were committed between 2023 and 2025 when Major Habineza was in charge of loan disbursements at Zigama CSS.

Details of the Charges

During the reading of his profile, Major Habineza declared ownership of three houses, three plots of land, and three vehicles.

He admitted to the charge of issuing uncovered checks but denied the other four, claiming there was no basis for the prosecution to pursue them.

Theft

While working at Zigama CSS, Major Habineza reportedly withdrew funds from several members’ accounts between 2023 and 2025 without their consent. He would allegedly lie to staff, claiming the clients had authorized the transactions—claims he could not substantiate in court.

For instance, on February 28, 2024, he withdrew $5,000 from the account of Karemera Winny without her knowledge.

The total amount allegedly stolen exceeds Rwf 485 million, not including compensation claims filed by the victims. The court said all affected parties have the right to file for damages.

Falsifying Documents

The prosecution stated that Major Habineza signed withdrawal slips pretending to be the account holders, doing so without any legal authorization.

Issuing Uncovered Checks

This occurred between 2023 and 2025. After withdrawing money from clients' accounts, Habineza reportedly issued them checks with no funds, leading many to sue Zigama CSS after banks rejected the checks.

Embezzlement and False Promises

Between 2023 and 2024, Major Habineza promised to import vehicles for several people but failed to deliver. On September 20, 2023, Sgt. Munyantarama Vincent, a former bodyguard of Habineza, loaned him money that was never repaid.

A witness from Zigama CSS confirmed that he was instructed to transfer money into Habineza’s account. Bank records also show multiple cash withdrawals linked to him.

His Defense

Major Habineza admitted only to issuing uncovered checks. He claimed that many of the people he owed had since been paid via mobile transfers, and that bank system records could verify this. He argued that, as the loan officer, he was authorized to operate accounts, even without written permission.

However, when asked by the court for documentation showing clients had authorized him to access their accounts, he admitted none existed. The court concluded that, in the absence of such authorization, his actions were unauthorized.

Some victims also accused Zigama CSS of negligence for giving him access to member funds without adequate oversight. The bank submitted documents confirming the accused had withdrawn funds without client permission.

On allegations of fraud, Habineza said all dealings were with people he had long worked with, denying criminal intent. He pledged to repay all outstanding debts.

The Defense of Bavakure Ndekwe Felix

Felix, Habineza’s younger brother and former Zigama CSS employee, denied involvement in the crimes. He claimed to have trusted his brother, who was his superior at work, and acted on instructions. He said he did not know any of the clients and denied receiving the alleged $5,000, asserting he never held a dollar account.

The hearing was adjourned at midday and resumed at 2 PM. The court later announced that proceedings would continue on September 16, 2025, to allow time for claimants to bring Zigama CSS into the case for civil accountability.