Miss Rwanda gets suspended sentence for drink-driving

A Rwandan court recently sentenced Divine Muheto, the reigning Miss Rwanda, to three months suspended for driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without a license. In addition, she received a fine of 190,000 Rwandan francs (about $140 or £109).

Last month, Muheto was involved in a car accident in Kigali, crashing her vehicle into an electricity pole and a palm tree after leaving a bar, according to local news outlet The New Times. Reports suggested she fled the scene initially, but the court dismissed this charge.

Neither Muheto nor the prosecution, which had requested a two-year prison sentence, was present at the hearing. After spending 18 days in police custody, Muheto was ordered to be released by the judge.

It's uncertain if the prosecution plans to appeal. Muheto, whose father is Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Muheto, has not commented publicly, though her lawyers stated she has shown remorse and sought forgiveness.

Police in Rwanda noted that this incident was not Muheto's first offense involving alcohol and driving. She gained national recognition in 2022 when she won the Miss Rwanda title, a competition that has since been suspended due to allegations of misconduct against its organizers.

Rwanda's drink-driving laws impose a 150,000 Rwandan franc fine (about $110 or £85) and a five-day detention. Law enforcement in the country has intensified its focus on reducing such offenses, leading to numerous arrests in recent years.