Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson of the Eastern region, said information about fraud was reported by a resident.
“Sacks of minerals were covered with cabbages in an attempt to distract security,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
He added: “Fortunate enough, residents who saw Twerekane loading the minerals had already called the Police to report the fraud as well as details on the suspect, the vehicle and the route he was using. Police trailed and intercepted him, and seized the minerals.”
It is alleged that Twerekane had been hired by another suspected illegal mineral dealer to smuggle the minerals from Matimba to Kicukiro District in City of Kigali.
CIP Twizeyimana acknowledged the role of the public in fighting fraud and lawlessness in general.
Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations states that; “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a license commits an offence.”
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
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