Rwanda National Police

Police in Rulindo district has discovered a residential house in Kajevuba cell of Ntarabana sector filled with stumps of a local plant called kabaruka, which were cut illegally and were meant to be trafficked out of the country.
 
The trees estimated to be in hundreds of tones were discovered on April 3 following a tip-off from area residents, Police said.
 
The four-roomed house, which was all filled with the tree stumps belong to one Etienne Bayavuge, who is still at large.
 
The local plant is used as a raw material in the production of perfumes and lotions and is said to be trafficked to Asia through neighbouring countries.
 
Chief Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kabanda, the Director of Media Centre in Rwanda National Police warned against the illegal act.
 
“We understand there are some individuals involved in cutting of trees, especially kabaruka and trafficking it, though most of them have been arrested. Even the few remaining might be lucky today but they will be arrested if they don’t stop,” CIP Kabanda warned.
 
Normally, for anyone to cut or transport trees from one area to another, has to seek authorisation from local leaders in the area.
 
He commended the public for the continued collaboration in fighting and preventing crimes.
 
“These acts of cutting trees are illegal, have impact on the economy and punished under Rwanda Penal Code,” he noted.
 
He said investigations continue to apprehend all those connected to this illegal act.