Rwanda National Police

Police in Ngororero District have arrested two illegal mineral dealers with one tonne of minerals. Theophile Munyentwari, 44, and one of his employees, Simeon Ntegeyimana, 32, were arrested on Monday, July 5, in Mohororo Sector, Rugogwe Cell in Nganzo Village.

Chief Inspector of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi , the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that that minerals were found at Munyentwari's home.

"They were arrested at about 9pm as they packed the minerals in sacks and waiting for the vehicle to tranaport them to Muhanga to another illegal mineral dealer, who would buy them," CIP Karekezi said.

Munyentwari disclosed that the minerals are extracted in different concessions in Ngororero by groups of illegal miners. He added that he was buying a kilogramme of the mineral at Frw200 and selling it to his client in Muhanga for Frw250.

According to Munyentwari, he has been in this illegal mineral business for a while now.

CIP Karekezi thanked local residents, who provided information that led to the arrest of Munyentwari and seizure of the mineral consignment.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Ngororero station.

Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations, states that; ?any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.?

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.    

The court also may order confiscation of any seized minerals in storage, trading or processing without a license.


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