Samson Riberakurora, 30, was found with two wild animals, which he had killed
Kigali: Police and game rangers arrested a suspected poacher in Nyungwe Forest National Park, on April 2. Samson Riberakurora, 30, was at the time of his arrest found with two wild animals, which he had killed in the protected park.
His accomplice managed to flee, Police said.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said they were poaching in part of the forest located in Kitabi sector, Nyamagabe District.
He added that game rangers in Nyungwe called the Police after they got information that poachers had sneaked into the park.
“At about 1 PM, park rangers called the Police after they got information that some people had entered the park to poach animals. During the joint operation, they arrested Riberakurora with two animals which they had already killed. Law enforcement organs are currently searching for his accomplice, who managed to flee,” said CIP Twajamahoro.
Police also seized traditional traps, spears and pangas, which poachers were using to trap and kill the protected animals.
He warned against poaching and endangering protected animal species, which is criminal.
The law no 48/2018 of 13/08/2018, in its article 58, states that any person who hunts, sells, injures or kills a protected animal species and products thereof, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf7 million. (End)