Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) arrested two suspected illegal mineral dealers in Rutsito District, on Thursday, who were also found in possession of counterfeit money amounting to Frw42, 000.

Munyakinaga Samuel, 33, and one only identified as Ndayambaje, 26, were arrested in Murunda sector on Thursday, October 22, with the fake notes in the denominations of Frw1,000 and Frw2,000.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that Police first arrested Ndayambaje with Frw18,000, all fake, after he was reported by the would-be victim.

“Ndayambaje had gone to buy alcoholic drinks but when he paid, the seller noticed that the currency notes paid were fake, which prompted people who were there to call the Police to take the suspect into custody," CIP Karekezi explained.

He added: "Ndayambaje later disclosed that he got the fake money from one Innocent Bazimaziki, another suspected illegal mineral dealer from Ngororero District, to whom Ndayambaje had sold 30kgs of coltan at Frw280,000.

Ndayambaje also disclosed that Bazimaziki was brought to him by Munyakinaga. Police later located and arrested Munyakinaga, also in Murunda sector, who was found in possession of counterfeit money amounting to Frw24,000."

Law enforcement organs, CIP Karekezi said, are working together with the public to also locate and arrest Bazimaziki, the alleged supplier of fake money and an accomplice in illegal mineral business.

It is suspected that all the Frw280,000 that Bazimaziki gave to Ndayambaje were counterfeit.

Ndayambaje had already spent the rest of the money when he was arrested with only Frw18,000, which was remaining.

Ndayambaje and Munyakinaga have since been handed over to RIB at Murunda station, alongside the exhibits.

The spokesperson commended the role of the public in fighting such criminal activities and appealed anyone with information on Bazimaziki's whereabouts, to come forward.

Article 269 of the law relating to offences and penalties in general states that “any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to an imprisonment term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.

Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations, states that; “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.” 

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.    

The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.