Rwanda National Police

Police in Gatsibo District is holding twelve people suspected of illegal mining activities, as efforts continue to overcome the vice.

 Seven of the suspects, all residents in Remera Cell in Rugarama Sector, were arrested red-handed, on May 30, 2015, while illegally mining in Extra Mining Associated, a mineral site located in Cyabusheshe Cell in Gitoki Sector.

 Five others suspects were arrested on same day in Matunguru Cell in Rugarama Sector, after they were found in possession of 313 kilograms of cassiterite and crude mining tools they allegedly used in the illegal activity.

 The suspects who include one female are currently detained at Kabarore Police station, pending further Police operations focused on fighting and preventing illegal mining.

 Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Eric Kabera, the Gatsibo District Police Commander, who confirmed the arrest of these suspects, said Police in the area is alert and will ensure that illegal mining in the District does not prevail.

 “Minerals are valuable government resources which must be protected against any illegality that jeopardizes professional trade. Engaging in this business requires everyone to first seek for authorization from concerned authorities,” said CIP Kabera.

 He urged residents to shun such illegal business and instead switch to legitimate and developmental business ventures.

 “Apart from being a criminal act, illegal mining is a great threat to life because we know many cases where people lost lives while illegally mining,” he noted.

 “More cooperation through community policing is necessary to ensure that those involved in illegal mining are stopped in order to protect the credibility of the sector.”

 Illegal mining is punishable under article 438 of the Rwandan  Penal Code, which attracts a jail term of one year in prison and a fine between Rwf3 million and Rwf10 million.