English
Kinyarwanda
Three suspected mineral thieves were arrested on Thursday, September 24, in Gihinga Cell, Rwinkwavu Sector of Kayonza District.
The trio belong to a group that calls itself imparata, which allegedly conducts illegal mining activities and steal minerals in concessions located in Rwinkwavu and Murama sectors, according to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region.
"In the evening of September 24, three people; Angelo Musabire, 27, Jean Pierre Mfitumukiza, 26, and Ezechiel Twizerimana, 22, and another person still at large, attacked and assaulted security guards at a mineral concession owned by Wolfram Mining and Processing Limited in an attempt to force their way into the site to steal minerals," CIP Twizeyimana explained.
He added: "The security guards tried to fend-off the four men, who were armed with machetes and other sharp objects. In the process, they called the Police, officers were immediately deployed and rescued the security guards but also arrested three attackers. The fourth member of the group fled but law enforcement organs are working together to arrest him as well."
One of the security guards was injured during the incident and is currently under medical care.
The three suspects were taken to Kabarondo COVID-19 transit centre for tests prior to their legal process.
CIP Twizeyimana said that fighting imparata involves both operations and awareness on illegal mining.
He appealed to the residents to fight the illegal acts and to report members of the criminal ring.
