Rwanda National Police

Police in Rwamagana district has recovered two residential houses filled with stumps of a local plant called kabaruka suspected to have been cut illegally in Nyakariro sector.

Two people identified as Elias Mwiseneza and Ndacyayisenga were also apprehended after the stumps were found in their houses in Rwimbogo cell on May 24.

Police estimated the trees to be about 2.6 tonnes. It is suspected that the duo was planning to traffic the trees to other countries.
In a similar incident, Police in Bugesera District also intercepted a vehicle registration number RAA 962N full of the tree stumps, which was headed to Kigali.

The local plant is used as a raw material in the production of perfumes and lotions.

Senior Supt. Benoit Nsengiyumva, Police spokesperson for the Eastern region said this is an act of environmental degradation which can’t be tolerated.

 “We understand there are some individuals involved in illegal cutting of trees, especially kabaruka. These acts which have negative impact on the environment and we urge the general public to strengthen the fight against it by providing timely information on those involved,” SSP said.

He commended members of the public, who provided information that led to the arrest of the duo.