The Nyarugenge Primary Court has found Shema Arnold de Bosscher, popularly known as DJ Toxxyk, guilty of the charges brought against him, sentencing him to pay a fine of Rwf1.5 million and perform three months of community service, with the sentence suspended for six months.

The court ordered his immediate release upon the reading of the judgment.

The case stems from a fatal road accident that occurred in the early hours of December 21, at around 4:00 a.m., along Sopetrade Road in Kigali, where roadworks were underway.

Prosecutors allege that Shema struck Police Constable Fred Mushabe, who was on duty directing traffic, killing him on the spot.

DJ Toxxyk faced four charges: involuntary manslaughter, use of narcotic drugs or substances treated as such, fleeing after causing an accident, and refusing to undergo an alcohol test.

He admitted to involuntary manslaughter and to fleeing the scene, but firmly denied the charges related to drug use and refusing to undergo an alcohol test.

Taking the stand in his defence, Shema told the court he had dozed off while driving and lost control of the vehicle after hitting a pavement.

He admitted leaving the scene but said he acted out of fear and shock, and later travelled to Karongi District to seek advice from a friend, who then contacted authorities on his behalf.

Prosecutors, however, argued that CCTV footage suggested Shema was intoxicated before the incident, and that after the accident, he fled the scene by abandoning his vehicle near ONOMO Hotel before travelling to Gisozi and later to Karongi, which they said demonstrated an attempt to evade responsibility.

Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence and a fine of Rwf 1 million, a demand the court ultimately did not grant, opting instead for the suspended sentence and community service.

The case drew widespread public attention in Rwanda and was seen as a key test of whether the law applies equally regardless of one’s public profile.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​