11 arrested over illegal mining

GATSIBO - Eleven people are currently held at Kabarore Police Post over illegal mining. According to the Police, those arrested, including a child, were mining Coltan at Gabiro Military barracks. “We were on night patrol when we landed on over 30 people mining at the barracks. We arrested 11, the others escaped,” a police official said.

Monday, September 12, 2011

GATSIBO - Eleven people are currently held at Kabarore Police Post over illegal mining.

According to the Police, those arrested, including a child, were mining Coltan at Gabiro Military barracks.

"We were on night patrol when we landed on over 30 people mining at the barracks. We arrested 11, the others escaped,” a police official said.

The district Mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza warned residents against illegal mining, saying that that stiff measures were in place to curb the practice.

"We have three registered mining companies in the district…there’s no one else permitted to mine. We shall punish those trying to do it illegally,” he warned.

Speaking to reporters, Ruboneza said that one of the arrested suspects was shot on the leg as he attempted to resist arrest.

The Mayor warned that illegal mining is not only dangerous but also threatens the environment.

Ends