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Kinyarwanda
Police have warned against illegal mining activities, which increase the risk of fatalities from disasters.
The call follows an accident that happened on November 13, when one Jean Nepomuscène, 32, was buried by a cliff when it curved in as he was mining illegally in a KAMIKO concession.
According to the Southern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Andre Hakizimana, said: “Those still involved in such illegal acts should stand warned. They are risking their lives and it’s even against the law."
"There are many legal ways to earn a living rather than risking lives going in these dangerous mining sites,” he said.
He called upon residents around mining concessions to steer away from illegal mining activities in order to avoid such accidents.
He also called on mining companies and cooperatives to adhere to mining rules and provide protective gears to their employees whenever they are on duty.
“Miners should wear protective gears at all times, including gas masks, gloves, boots, as well as ensure that the mines are not susceptible to landslides and other environment hazards,” he said.
“Mining companies should also set up security at their concessions in order to prevent illegal mining, which is usually conducted at night, and also work with police to ensure that illegal miners are stopped.”
Hakizimana added that even if someone discovers mineral in their land they still have to acquire authorization to extract them.
Article 438 of the penal code stipulates that “Any person who undertakes illegal research or illegally carries out commercial activities in valuable minerals, shall be liable to imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of Rwf3 million to Rwf10 million or one of these penalties.”
