12 Poachers Arrested

Police in Kayonza district has arrested 12 suspects in connection with a series of poaching activities in Akagera National Park.

The suspects include; Pierre Tuyishimire, Alex Mugiraneza and Samuel Murihano, Cyuzuzo Habimana, Francois Sendanyoye, Jervain Mujyambere, Jean Turatsinze, Jean Bosco Munyakayanza, Emmanuel Mugiraneza, Francois Gatsinzi, Francois Bazatsinda and Claver Habyalimana.

They are all farmers and residents of Mukarange sector in Kayonza district were apprehended by Park Rangers in Kageyo cell in Mwiri sector, in the vicinity of the national park.

The park rangers later handed them over to police. They are currently detained at Kabarondo Police station.

The suspects first resisted arrest and tried to fight the park rangers by loosening their dogs to attack them.

However, the suspects’ resistance was short-lived as the rangers shot and killed seven of their dogs.

Police investigations also indicate that this group has been poaching for over a year now.

At the time of their arrest, they were also found in possession of local weapons including ten bows and two spears which they reportedly used in the illegal exercise.

The Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Superintendent Benoit Nsengiyumva, warned anyone that might still be harboring plots to engage in poaching to stop “because Police will not blink until such people are arrested.”

Supt Nsengiyumva commended the good job done by the park rangers in arresting the suspected poachers.

“The arrest of these people should be a signal that Police especially in partnership with the public is determined to prevent crimes in general and poaching in particular,” Nsengiyumva added.

He called the public for continued partnership through information sharing to ensure crimes are sustainably prevented.

Poaching is illegal under the article 417 of the new penal code.

It stipulates that “any person who poaches, sells, injures or kills a gorilla or any other protected endangered animal species shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of more than five to ten years and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf5 million.”

RNP