Rwamagana local leader on the run over illicit brew

Police have warned against cases of distilling illegal home-made brew locally known as Kanyanga, in the Eastern Province. This follows reports that a grassroots leader was found distilling Kanyanga in Muhazi Sector, Rwamagana District. Four people who worked for the local leader are currently detained at Kigabiro Police Station. Several litres of the illicit alcohol were found at the home of Donata Mukamusangwa, who is currently on the run. In another operation, over 200 litres of the illicit brew were also unearthed in Karenge Sector and destroyed. “During the operation, hundreds of litres of illicit alcohol were discovered. The instruments used to brew it were confiscated…culprits are in police custody. A local leader who escaped is among the suspects…she was the ring-leader,” said the Eastern Region Police spokesman, IP Emmanuel Kayigi. In Kayonza District, a pre-dawn joint operation that involved the Police, army and district security officials (DASSO), also saw the arrest over 10 people in Kabarondo Sector, who were found illegally brewing the alcohol. The operation was prompted by an incident in which a man, who was brewing the brew, suffered serious burns when a drum containing the liquor exploded. The villages of Kagarama, Nyabikenkye and Gasharu in Kabarondo are the most affected in Kayonza District, Police say. IP Kayigi said illicit alcohol distillation was becoming rampant. “Over 7,000 litres were discovered…one of those involved is currently hospitalised at Rwinkwavu Hospital. He was injured in a drum explosion during the distillation process,” he said. The injured was identified as Yustin Kubwimana. He said the practice is carried out in several areas across the country, but noted that steps had been taken to eradicate them. “Distilling spirits in homes is inherently risky for producers as well as consumers…operations will soon be conducted in the remaining areas. We warn all residents against illicit alcohol brewing,” he said. John Mugabo, the Mayor of Kayonza District, said stringent measure to check the vice were in the pipeline. “We have information that illicit liquor is produced with grassroots leaders’ knowledge. They must change forthwith or face the consequences…if you can’t fight the vice, resign now. There is no excuse, whatsoever, that you have failed to stop the illegal distillation,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwamagana local leader on the run over illicit brew