Huye Intermediate Court on Tuesday, February 27 handed a seven-year jail sentence to two individuals in connection with an illegal mine that collapsed in Huye District in 2023, resulting in the tragic deaths of six victims, including three students.

Among the five people that were found guilty include; Major (Rtd) Paul Katabarwa and Jacqueline Uwamariya, the former Executive Secretary of Maraba sector.

ALSO READ: Huye mine accident: Landslide derails rescue efforts

Katabarwa was found guilty on charges of illegal mining and non-compliance with standards in seeking for minerals or quarries, considered as contributing factors to the fatal incident.

Meanwhile, Uwamariya was convicted as an accomplice in illegal mining, together with abusing her function due to the job she held. Both were sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Rwf 5 million.

ALSO READ: Who are the 10 people arrested for Huye mine accident?

In a verdict read on February 27, the court acquitted Liberata Iyakaremye, who was in charge of land in Kinazi sector, Gilbert Nkurunziza, the former Executive secretary of Gahana Cell, and Protais Maniraho, former social affairs officer in Gahana Cell.

The tragic incident unfolded on April 19, 2023, in Huye district, Kinazi Sector, and Gahana cell when six individuals were trapped in the tunnel.