Three people believed to be part of a group of poachers in Akagera National Park have been arrested in Mukarange, Kayonza District. The suspects, who are currently being held at Mukarange Police Station, were arrested last Thursday in a police crackdown in Eastern Province. The suspects were found with animal hides. Their arrest followed a tip-off from local residents allegedly conversant with the trio’s illegal acts, police said. Poaching is illegal under article 417 of the new penal code. It stipulates that any person who poaches, sells, injures or kills a gorilla or any other protected endangered animal species shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of between five and ten years and a fine ranging from Rwf500,000 to Rwf 5 million.
