Rwanda National Police

Three people were recently arrested in Rwamagana District after they were found slaughtering a cow in the forest at night. 

Jerome Niyitegeka, 42, Simon Tuyizere, 35, and Etienne Ndorimana, 22, were arrested in the forest located in Nzige Sector.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana,  the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that two other accomplices fled from the scene.

The suspects also had a vehicle, which was parked ready to transport the meat to Kigali that very night, CIP Twizeyimana said. 

"Local leaders called the Police after knowing that there were some people in the forest that night slaughtering a cow," he said.

"In response, Police arrested three of them while two others escaped. Their vehicle Toyota Corola RAA 910E and the meat were impounded and handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau alongside the suspects."

Although the arrested suspects claim that they had bought the cow, CIP Twizeyimana didn't rule out "likely theft."

Law enforcement organs are working together to locate and arrest the other two suspects still in hiding and to authenticate the origin of the slaughtered cow.

CIP Twizeyimana urged all meat dealers and those slaughtering livestock to comply with set hygiene and meat business requirements to ensure safety of consumers as it involves people lives.

“Anyone in the meat value chain must comply with all the standard requirements to make profits without compromising consumers’ lives. Standards are clear on requirements for meat transport, trade and preservation to ensure the safety of consumers,” he said. 

The Ministerial Order n°013/11.30 of 18/11/2010 on transport and trade of meat, particularly article 2 stipulates that “…the transport of fresh chilled or frozen meat for food purpose shall be carried in such a manner to not be seen from outside. The meat shall be properly covered and protected against the sun, rain mud, dust, and flies.”

Article 3 of the same order states that the motor-vehicle transportation of fresh, chilled or frozen, non-packed meat shall use closed vans, separate from the driver, internally covered with galvanized brass or any other stainless material.