GICUMBI - Whistleblowers in Gicumbi District are wary as they become targets for revealing the identity of illicit brew dealers in the area, security officials revealed at a security meeting this week.

The meeting was attended by local defence force personnel from Rubaya, Cyumba and Manyagira sectors near the Ugandan border.

The three sectors are bedevilled by illegal activities, including smuggling.

The dealers are now a threat to local residents after they viciously destroyed crops in several farms as well as other property belonging to those they suspect to be behind the manhunt by authorities.

"These people attacked us in a gang and severely beat us,” narrated a local defence force guard.

The guard, Pascal Nduwimana, said the illegal brew dealers killed his cow because he is vocal in the fight against illegal brew.

"Some of these people possess lethal objects to torture you if you are against them. Many plantations have been destroyed, so, we live in fear,” one of the whistle blowers, who sought anonymity, said.

According to the police, most crimes are attributed to consumers of the illicit brew.

The District Police Commander, Evariste Gatera, said that some security personnel are clients of the dealers, making it intricate to eliminate the vice.

"Some of the security officials lack the moral authority to stop it because they are also implicated,” Gatera said.

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