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Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) reached out to residents of Muhanga districts and warned against illegal mining activities, which increase the risk of fatalities due to disasters, especially now in the rainy season.
The message was delivered on October 30, following the visit of the Mobile Police Station Vehicle in the district.
The vehicle was stationed at Kabacuzi market place in Kabacuzi Sector, where hundreds of residents approached it to report cases, provide information, as well as compliment RNP services they receive.
After the event, the residents gathered with police officers to discuss issues concerning the area and find solutions – whereby – the issue of illegal mining was singled out as the main challenge to the area’s social and environment safety.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Gasana, in charge of customer care and quality service in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Rwanda National Police (RNP, told the residents that mining should always be conducted in a manner that is in line with national laws and environment considerations.
“Many illegal miners conduct their activities when it is very dark without protective gears or enough lighting, thus putting themselves in harm’s way. This behavior should be discouraged by the community,” he said.
“Illegal mining is not only a criminal act but leads to loss of lives, which he said RNP cannot afford to keep looking on while lives are being lost.”
He further called on mining companies and cooperatives to strictly provide protective gear to their miners whenever they are on duty.
Philippe Uwambajimana, one of the residents, commended police for extending its services through the Mobile Police Station Vehicle and urged fellow residents to partner with Police through community policing to ensure the peace and security of their community.
Article 438 of the Penal Code condemns illegal mining and unauthorized mineral exploration, with a term of imprisonment between six months and one year, plus a fine between Rwf3 million and Rwf10 million or one of these penalties.
