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Kinyarwanda
Police in Kayonza District have arrested seven poachers believed to have killed a hippopotamus in Akagera National Park.
The suspects currently detained at Rukara Police Station are identified as Augustin Karimbiro, Thomas Habanabakize, Reverien Byimana, Eric Ndahayo, Venuste Nsengiyumva, Japhet Gashongore and Jerome Barinabo.
Police spokesperson for the eastern region, Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi said the suspects were apprehended red-handed on May 22 in Buhwa Cell of Murundi Sector.
He explained that the arrested poachers trapped the hippo with a net before killing it with spears.
“Their dossier will be forwarded to prosecution to face the law, after investigations are complete,” IP Kayigi said.
Similar case was reported in Akagera National Park in March last year.
“These are not domestic animals that you can slaughter at any time you want. These are animals protected by the law and in unauthorized area for hunters.”
Under article 416 of the penal code, any person convicted of killing animals in “classified forests, protected areas and national parks” is liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine 0f Rwf300, 000 to Rwf2 million or one of these penalties.
“We appeal to everyone to be part of this campaign to protect the environment, protect animals in legally gazatted zones and report anyone that tries to endanger these species,” he said.
