Rwanda National Police

Police in Rulindo District, on Thursday, arrested two men over illegal mining activities.

The suspects; Patrick Ntakirutimana, 24, and Callixte Nshimiyimana, 27, were caught red-handed mining wolfram.

They had already mined at least 17kgs of wolfram, which they were caught with during the operation.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alex Rugigana, the Police  spokesperson for the Northern region, said that the two men are employees of a wolfram mining firm in Rulindo.

 "When the company ended its daily mining activities on Thursday evening, the two men went back later in the night and started mining illegally," CIP Rugigana said.

“First of all, they put their lives at risk by going into the mining concession at night, although what they were doing is also unlawful," he added.

He warned against such risky acts, which in some cases result into fatal consequences.

At least 33 cases of illegal mining in Rulindo district since last year, ended fatal.

"It is suicidal to go into a mining concession at night or without safety gears. Mining is done by authorised professionals with  professional tools," he added.

“People should consider safety in whatever they do. We have had many cases of landslides caused by illegal mining, and in some cases rescuing them becomes impossible."

CIP Rugigana urged the public to always provide timely information on such illegal and dangerous acts.