The beauty queen appeared at Kicukiro Primary Court, where she faced multiple charges, including driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol, damaging public infrastructure, and fleeing the scene.
The prosecution informed the court that the defendant had been drinking at a bar identified as "Atelier du Vin" around midnight before driving home. They alleged that due to her limited driving skills and high level of intoxication, she crashed into an electricity pole and a tree.
According to the prosecution, after the crash, she allegedly fled the scene but later returned to retrieve her phones, only to find the police had arrived. She reportedly then claimed that she was not the driver of the vehicle.
The prosecution also noted that this was not her first offence, pointing out that she had previously been cautioned and apologized for similar behaviour on September 23, 2024. They urged the court to find her guilty of all charges.
The prosecution stated that Muheto's blood alcohol level was measured at 4.00, while the legal limit is 0.8.
Accompanied by three lawyers, Muheto pleaded guilty to three charges but denied the prosecution's allegations that she fled the scene after causing an accident.
'I admit to driving under the influence, driving without a license, and causing the accident, but I do not admit to fleeing," Muheto said in her defence.
She explained that after the crash, she moved aside due to the crowd that had gathered but remained nearby, awaiting the police.
One of her attorneys argued that Muheto accepts responsibility for her actions, has apologized, and has cooperated with the authorities throughout the investigation. He added that she had a provisional driving license, meaning she was aware of traffic regulations, although she made the mistake of driving without a full license.
The defence attorney pointed out to the court that the electricity pole and tree Muheto struck are still standing, indicating that she did not flee. He asserted that if she had intended to escape, she would have done so immediately after the crash, as she had the means to drive away.
The prosecution is seeking a one-year and eight-month jail term for Muheto: six months for drink-driving, two months for driving without a permit, and one year for fleeing after causing an accident.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/miss-muheto-pleads-guilty-to-drink-driving-charges
