Rwanda National Police

Police have impounded about 145 kilogrammes of cassiterite from two illegal dealers.  
At least 110kgs of cassiterite were seized on Thursday in Kigali from one Thacien Munyaneza, 38.

Munyaneza was transporting the minerals on a motorcycle RE 573G, which was also impounded.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie Gorette Umutesi said that Munyaneza was intercepted in Nyabugogo, Kimisagara Sector of Nyarugenge District.

“Police in Kigali received information that a motorcycle had left Rutongo concession with a consignment of stolen cassiterite,” CIP Umutesi said.

“The motorcycle was tracked and intercepted in Nyabugogo, its rider arrested and minerals seized,” she added.

Other 35kgs were recovered from an illegal dealer in Kayonza District.

It is said that illegal dealers connive with workers in mining sites to steal minerals from concessions. In other cases, people conduct illegal mining activities especially at night, which sometimes result into disasters in cases where miners don’t know the status of the concession, thus tilting weak or unsupported cliffs.

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.

Article 4 of the same instrument indicates that transportation of minerals outside mining licensed areas (concessions and permits perimeters) is only allowed, when the consignment shows the source mine, its value and when it has the right tag.