{Rwanda National Police (RNP) appeals to the general population to desist from practising illegal mining activities, which increase the risk of fatalities from disasters.
The call follows an illegal mining accident that left two men seriously injured in Rutsiro on December 3. }
The injured men were identified as Paul Bihoyiki 24, and Valance Habimana 32. The two were covered by a landslide while illegally mining coltan in Ruronde Cell of Rusebeya Sector.
Reacting about the incident, the Western Region Police spokesperson Inspector of Police (IP) Theobald Kanamugire explained that police received information about the incident and officers intervened and worked with the locals to save the two men who were trapped in the tunnel before rushing them to hospital.
“The devastating effect of illegal mining is known to all. Initially one may only think that it is the surface soil which is being destroyed but there is also loss of lives, polluting water bodies. Also illegal mining affects the environment like accelerating soil erosion,” said Kanamugire.
He says besides those accidents that come with illegal mining, deforestation is part of the damages illegal mining causes to the environment.
“These illegal miners also do not put in place any measures that will safeguard them from risks like landslides and operate with no protective gears,” Kanamugire said.
He appealed to residents to avail timely information on people suspected to be involved in these unlawful activities to prevent likely loss of lives and combat illegal mineral business, which also has an impact on the country’s economy.
Kanamugire called upon residents particularly the youth to avoid engaging in any type of illegal business but instead form co-operatives and find ways of securing small loans to start with small income generating businesses.
Illegal mining is punishable under article 438 of the Rwandan Penal Code, which attracts a jail term of one year in prison and a fine between Rwf3million and Rwf10million.
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