{The ongoing crackdown against illegal mining led to the arrest of 11 people on April 12 in an operation conducted in Ngororero District.}
The suspects were found mining illegally in Amethyst concession in Tetero Cell of Kavumu Sector.
Police identified the suspects as; Fidele Nsabimana, Emmanuel Sentambara, Daniel Nikobateye, Joseph Manirafasha and Thomas Kanyabugoyi.
Others are Jean Paul Niyonsenga, Jean Pierre Habiyambere, Faustin Nzabanita, Emmanuel Kavamahanga, Jean d’Amour Rwagafirita, and James Tuyizere.
Police in Ngororero said it operated on the credible information provided by residents of Terero and Rugeshi.
Following the arrest, the District Police commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Marc Gasangwa met with residents of the two cells and told them about the dangers of illegal mining and why its criminal.
He said; “there are legal channel for one to be authorized to mine; you must have a license and all the required equipment for safe mining. This is why we request you to always provide information on anyone involved in illegal mining especial those mining Amethyst in Aloys Gasana’s ranch,” said the DPC.
Among the detail other effects of illegal mining, saying that illegal mining pollutes water bodies and affects the environment like soil erosion.
“Mining is not something that is practiced by anyone; it requires skills and knowledge, if it is done wrongly, a lot is at risk including people’s lives that’s why it’s a profession that requires expertise,” said SSP Gasangwa.
During the same meeting, the Director of theEnvironmental Protection Unit at RNP Superintendent of Police (SP) Modeste Mbabazi also took time to educate resident on effects of illegal mining.
“It’s a responsibility for all to fight against illegal mining; illegal miners are putting each of us in danger that’s why we should collectively fight against such malpractices,” said SP Mbabazi
RNP established and Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) that operates under the Criminal Investigation Department and is mandated to protect the environment in all aspects, including air space, forestry and biodiversity, as well as the enforcement of different legal instruments that protect environment.
As per the penal code, the arrested suspected risk a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to Rwf 10 million as stipulated in article 438.
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