Rwanda National Police

At least 338 kilogrammes of cassiterite mineral that were being smuggled were impounded in two separate operate conducted on Thursday and Friday in Rulindo District. 

Two people identified as Jean Damascene Rutabingwa, 33, and Desire Nyandwi, 22, were arrested in Nyamyumba Cell of Masoro Sector with 238kgs of cassiterite, Police said.

"There was information that Rutabingwa and Nyandwi had stolen minerals from Rutongo mines. Police mounted a search and intercepted the two suspects in Masoro Sector, Nyamyumba Cell in Kabuga Village, where the minerals were also seized,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said.

Two other motorcyclists were also intercepted on Friday in Gasenga Village of Kivugiza Cell also in Masoro with a combined 100kgs.

The motorcycles; RE 489H and RD 258J were also impounded although the ridders managed to escape the arrest.

“With Rulindo having many mining concessions, it has called for increased operations against any illegal mineral business,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

In May this year, another illegal mineral dealer was arrested with big quantities of cassiterite in Rulindo. Last year, other 650kgs of smuggled minerals were also intercepted in Rulindo.

Article 1 of the Ministerial Regulations No 001/Minifom/2011 relating to fighting smuggling in mineral trading stipulates that nobody is allowed to purchase or sell minerals without commercial registration.

Transportation of minerals outside mining licensed areas (concessions and permits perimeters) is also allowed only when the consignment shows the source mine, its value and when it has the right tag.

Article 438 of the penal code, stipulates that; “Any person who undertakes illegal research or illegally carries out commercial activities in valuable minerals, shall be liable to imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of up to Rwf10 million.”

Any person who receives or exports minerals and quarry substances without authorization, under Article 440 of the Penal Code, is liable to a term of imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of two times the amount of the value of the received or exported substances.