{Rwanda National Police (RNP) appeals to the general population to desist from practicing illegal mining activities, which increase the risk of fatalities resulting from mine collapse.}
The call follows an illegal mining incident that left Vincent Maniraguha dead on July 01.
The victim, a resident of Ndaro Sector in Ngororero District had sneaked into a closed mining concession at night to illegally mine coltan when he got covered by a landslide.
Speaking about the incident, the District Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Marc Gasangwa said “the devastating effect of illegal mining is known to all; besides such accidents, illegal mining pollutes water bodies and affects the environment particularly due soil erosion.”
He went on to remind the public that no one is allowed to practice mining without a license or enter a concession without the required protective gear moreover a closed concession.
“Mining is not something that is practiced by anyone; it requires skills and knowledge that’s why it’s a profession that requires a license to the practitioners; illegal mining normally result into such accident,” he said.
As part of addressing issues concerning environment, including mining, Rwanda National Police established an Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) that operates under the Criminal Investigation Department, and mandated to protect the environment in all aspects, including air space, forestry and biodiversity, as well as the enforcement of different legal instruments.
RNP also carries out joint activities with MINIRENA and Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) that are in line with environmental protection.
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