Rwanda National Police

Police in Kayonza District, on Thursday, arrested Jean Claude Kayinamura, after he was found driving a truck loaded with stumps of a local plant called Umushikiri.

The stumps of Umushikiri are used as a raw material in the production of perfumes and lotions.

The truck, RAA 600R, Fuso type, was intercepted in Rusave cell of Murama sector after area residents informed Police.

It is alleged that the stumps were being smuggled out of the country.

The suspect is currently detained at Kabarondo Police Station pending further investigation.

Under article 416 of the penal code, “Any person who illegally sets fire to, cuts trees or who causes others to do so” is liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of Rwf300, 000 to Rwf2 million or one of these penalties.

Kayonza District Police Commander, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Innocent Semigabo lauded the public for providing Police with timely information which led to the arrest.

“People should know that this is not only an unlawful act but also destroys the environment,” SSP Semigabo observed.

 The law provides for anyone seeking to cut any tree to seek authorization from authorities.