Two people were arrested on Sunday, January 2, in Ntarama Sector, Bugesera District in Rwanda National Police (RNP) operations against illegal mining.
They are Valens Nduwayezu, 35, and Jean Bosco Urimubenshi, 33, who were arrested red-handed in a cassiterite concession located in Ntarama, Cyugaro Cell, Rugunga Village.
At the time, they were found in possession of 1kg of cassiterite, according to the Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana.
“The two illegal miners were reported by security guards at the concession at about 11am,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
The spokesperson thanked the guards for reporting the illegal mining acts and urged the public to continue sharing information on anyone involved in unlawful mineral related practices which sometimes result into loss of lives.
The suspects were handed over to RIB at Ntarama station for further legal process.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, 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 Frw1 million and not more than Frw5 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.
