Police in Rusizi District are holding 11 men who were caught red-handed mining gold illegally.

The suspects arrested last Sunday were identified as Gaspard Mutuyimana, Jean-Pierre Habimana, Bonaventure Nyabyenda, Gabriel Nsengumuremyi and Eric Bamporiki.

Others are Enock Ntibaziyaremye, Boniface Ruticumugambi, Dominique Siborurema, Daniel Ntiyanyibagiwe, Felicien Bayibarire and Selevate Ntahombaye.

They are currently held at Nyakabuye Police Station in Mashesha Sector.

The District Police Commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sano Nkeramugaba reminded residents that "mining activities in Rwanda are conducted in accordance with the law protecting the environment and by people legally licenced.”

"There are legalities for one to mine; you must have a license and all the required equipment for safe mining. This is why we request you to always provide information on anyone involved in illegal mining,” he said.

He added that mining is not something that can be practiced by anyone; it requires skills and knowledge. If it is done wrongly, a lot is at risk, including people’s lives.

The DPC warned all those who could be involved in such illegal acts to stop.

SP Nkeramugaba noted that Police in partnership with the local authorities have carried out sensitisation campaigns to ensure residents realise the dangers involved in illegal mining, especially in areas that are mineral rich and at night.

He appealed to the public to share information with security organs and other concerned authorities adding that people involved in such "illegal and dangerous activities will face justice.”

"Collective efforts especially through information sharing are important in curbing illegal mining,” he said.

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