Burundi’s Ministry of Interior, Community Development and Public Security has confirmed the arrest of Rwandan singer Bruce Itahiwacu known for stage name as Bruce Melodie over alleged swindling.

“Bruce Melodie is held in custody for investigation over swindling,” reads a tweet posted by the ministry.

The statement was released last night after the artiste had spent hours in Police custody for interrogation over the money he allegedly swindled from a company which invited him for a live concert in 2018 but didn’t perform.

Bruce Melodie was arrested around 4:00 p.m. as he arrived in Bujumbura City on 31st August 2022 to perform in different concerts.

As soon as he left the airport, Bruce Melodie was taken into Police custody for interrogation on the accusations filed by a man identified as Toussaint who had invited him in 2018.

The artiste had to perform in Burundi on 25th December 2018 but missed out.

Later on, it was reported that the organizer asked for reimbursement.

The man wants Bruce Melodie to refund the advance of US$2000 he had paid him out of US$6 million contract to stage a concert and provide 30 million Burundian Francs in compensation of incurred losses.

News has that the artiste agreed to refund the advance of US$2000 but rejected the request of paying 30 million Burundian Francs claiming that he is not aware of related transactions.

The article 301 of Burundian Penal Code stipulates that anyone convicted of swindling is liable to a sentence between two months and five years and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 Burundian Francs or one of the two penalties.

Around 10:00 p.m, journalists were still waiting for Bruce Melodie in a press conference which has been postponed to 1st September 2022.

Sources reveal that Bruce Melodie was released after negotiations with his debtee at a Police Station.

Bruce Melodie is expected to stage two concerts in Burundi on 2nd and 3rd September at Zion Beach and Officers’ Mess respectively.

AE News