Rwanda acts on corrupt policemen

Some Rwandans feel corruption has increased in the force

At least 139 police officers in Rwanda have been sacked over corruption in a crackdown on graft within the force.

Police commissioner Frank Mugambage said the sacked officers would be paraded before the media.

The move is part of an attempt to boost the image of Rwanda's police force. Those who do not meet the required standards will also have to leave.

Recently there has been a series of allegations of high level corruption within the government in Rwanda.

But the government has been keen to portray a zero tolerance approach to corruption.

Ombudsman

The BBC's Robert Walker in Kigali says there have been suggestions that corruption has increased among traffic police following moves against driving offences.

Hundreds of vehicles were impounded in recent months - until their owners paid tough new fines.

But Commissioner Mugambage denied suggestions that the new fines had led to a surge in bribe taking.

He said the policemen being sacked came not just from the traffic police but from all sections of the force.

The shake follows a series of high level corruption allegations.

The vice president of the Supreme Court resigned recently following claims he had used his position to secure large bank loans.

Since last month public office holders in Rwanda are required to declare their wealth.

And a newly created office of the Ombudsman has been set up to investigate corruption.

But critics have questioned the independence of the position.