Rwanda National Police

Police in Kamonyi District have urged parents and the general public to protect children against hectic and child labor activities.

The call follows Police and local leaders' operations on Sunday, when two minors, both aged 15, along with a 20-year old boy were caught mining illegally in Kayenzi Sector.

The boys were mining cassiterite and coltan in a concession owned by Gisizi Mining Company.

The Police spokesperson for the Southern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro said the children are pupils of Groupe Scolaire de Ntwali and Saint Paul Kirwa, who sneak into mining concessions after school in late evening.

“Besides being illegal, it is very dangerous to engage in such hectic mining activities at that age, but it becomes more life-threatening when done at night," CIP Twajamahoro said.

"We urge teachers, parents and community members to work together against such illegal, dangerous and child labour activities," he added.

He also appealed to owners of mining concessions to take precautionary measures at their sites and warned people, who send minors in such illegal and risky practices.

"People who send or buy minerals from these minors in illegal, risky and child labour activities will also face the law once caught," CIP Twajamahoro warned.

He further warned against others serving alcoholic beverages to children and called upon the general public to protect children and report any abuses they witness or suspect including giving them narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

"Protection and promotion of the rights of children is the responsibility of everyone; security organs, parents, guardians, mentors and the entire community."

CIP Twajamahoro also warned the public against illegal mining activities especially in this rainy season.

"Soils tend to be weakened by the rain and easier to cause landslides; it's advisable to take safety precautions in such weather conditions."