EASTERN PROVINCE Kayonza—Police are holding eight suspected poachers for allegedly operating in Akagera National Park. They were arrested during routine park patrols by ORTPN game rangers. According to Robert Komire, park warden of Akagera national Park, seven of the poachers who were caught at Lake Nyamawashana on the evening of September 4 and are Rwandese. The eight, was caught at midnight near Lake Shakani and hold Tanzanian paper. Animal meat, thought be from buffalo, and unidentified skins were also confiscated. If convicted, most likely will see jail time from six months to two years, and a fine of Frw2 million. The arrest comes at a time of widespread wildfires in the park, which have already destroyed over 140 acres of the protected grazing ground and caused three deaths. “We have been making mobilizations to the locals hailing near the frontiers of Akagera to protect wildlife,” Komire said. Ten per cent of all park revenue is injected to develop areas near the park. Among the suspected poachers include Gaspard Ndayisaba, Theogene Habiyaremye, Varensi Nzamuramba, Jean Paul Musoni, Damien Muhayeimana, Jean Paul Butihare, Rola Mbarushimana and a Tanzanian from a Banyambo tribe identified as Jovin Joseph. Ends
