Rwanda National Police

Communities living around Virunga National Park have been warned against poaching and urged to report individuals, who encroach on the protected area.

This caution follows the arrest of one Innocent Militant Ndayambaje, 45, in Musanze District on Tuesday for allegedly killing an Antelope in Virunga National Park.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said that Ndayambaje was arrested at his home in Kampande Village, Rungu Cell of Gataraga Sector, where he was found with an Antelope.

“There was information from residents of Kampande, who suspected Ndayambaje to be a poacher. On Tuesday, his neighbours called the Police after seeing him with an animal, and indeed he was arrested after he was found slaughtering the Antelope,” said CIP Rugigana.

He added: “Killing or injuring animals in protected areas is illegal and punishable by law. The same goes with cutting trees and burning forests, national parks and reserved areas. Virunga National Park is one of the natural and wildlife protected areas.”

“Wildlife tourism contributes to national economy,  thus poaching affects that development sector, as it not only leads to extinction of endangered species but also affects the environment. We therefore urge communities living near these protected areas to take the lead in protecting the said areas  by reporting poachers and those who cut trees there.”

The law no law No.48/2018 of 13/08/2018  on environment in its article 58, any person who hunts, sells, injures or kills a protected animal species and products thereof, commits an offense.

Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for term of not less than five years and not more than seven years and fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf7 million.