The arrests followed numerous complaints from residents, who reported that miners were invading their farmlands without consent. Some residents claimed the miners, allegedly searching for gold, had become untouchable and even resorted to violence against anyone who questioned their activities.
Jean Bosco Mwiseneza, the RNP spokesperson for the Northern Province, confirmed the arrests.
"Rwanda National Police caught 68 individuals in the act of illegal mining. Of these, 52 were arrested in Kinzuzi sector, Rulindo district, while 16 were apprehended in Gacaca, Remera, and Muhoza sectors of Musanze district. They are currently in police custody under investigation for illegal mining activities," he stated.
The suspects from Rulindo are being held at Murambi Police Station, while those from Musanze are detained at Muhoza Police Station.
Following the arrests, RNP reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal mining and issued a stern warning to those involved, emphasizing that such activities will not be tolerated.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwandan-police-arrest-68-in-illegal-mining-crackdown
