Kayonza-Police have arrested scores of people suspected of carrying out different activities that degrade the environment in Eastern Province.At least 10 people are held at Rukara Police station for allegedly cutting down a special type of tree locally known as Mushipiri, poaching and attempting to bribe police officers on duty.According to Superintendant Benoit Nsengiyunva, the Police Spokesman for Eastern Province, the suspects will soon be taken to court.He said that there was an organised group involved in cutting down a type of tree which is exported to neighboring countries.“The suspects will be tried for violating laws as stipulated in the penal code…what they did is punishable by article 416 that criminalises poaching, while other laws punish deliberate destruction of environment,” he said.Nsengiyunva further warned the public against trying to bribe the police on duty.Despite the existing law prohibiting people to cut trees, charcoal burners have relentlessly continued to cut down trees for charcoal in and around Akagera National Park.According to one of the suspects held for poaching, a number of people were involved in poaching.He told The New Times the electric fence around the park doesn’t deter them from entering it.“I know I am a suspect and may face jail, but poaching is a common business in most villages near the park. The electric wires don’t have powerful power to scare us …so, I admit the wrong and request for forgiveness. I won’t do it again,” he said.Akagera Police officials recently told journalists that the park’s ecosystem was endangered.
