Three people were killed after mine collapsed on Sunday, October 19, in Rutsiro District, police said. The incident took place in the wee hours of Sunday in Kagano cell in Mukura Sector in a concession operated by Ali Group Holding Ltd. ALSO READ: Western Province issues stark warning against illegal mining The victims were allegedly illegally digging for coltan and cassiterite, according to Superintendent of Police (SP), Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police Spokesperson for Western Province. Reports of the deaths emerged after mine guards captured three other individuals who were allegedly preparing to steal minerals at the same site. Twajamahoro told The News Times that police officers immediately intervened and recovered the three lifeless bodies, which were then taken to Murunda Hospital for a post-mortem. He warned local residents engaging in theft and illegal mining activities, noting that it puts their lives at risk. We urge mining companies to provide insurance to their workers and ensure they reinforce their mines during mining activities to prevent such deadly accidents, Twajamahoro said. Data from Police indicate that between 2024 and 2025, Ngororero, Rutsiro and Karongi have been identified as districts with high cases of illegal mining and other related incidents. Officials in Western Province reported 167 illegal mining cases in 2024. The number has increased to 206 from January to August this year.
