One person has died and another was injured on Monday, 5 May, following the collapse of an illegal mining site in Rutsiro District in Western Province.
The incident occurred in Muyira Cell, Manihira Sector, when an unauthorised mining pit caved in on two people. According to witnesses, two other people who were also present at the site fled shortly after the collapse.
The deceased was identified as François Nsanzimpfura, 42, who died at the scene. Patrice Nshimiyimana, 25, who sustained injuries, is currently receiving treatment at Rutsiro Health Centre.
Speaking to The New Times on Monday, SP Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the police spokesperson for Western Province, confirmed the incident and cautioned local against engaging in illegal mining activities.
“We continue to urge the public to avoid illegal mining, as it not only endangers lives but also causes environmental damage,” Karekezi said. “People should always report such activities to local authorities or the police before tragedies like this occur.”
Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Rutsiro District, told The New Times that several sectors in the district, including Manihira, Murunda, Kivumu, and Rusebeya, continue to face challenges related to illegal mining activities.
He explained that residents in these areas often enter unregistered mines despite the land being highly prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season.
He suggested that these conditions may have contributed to the latest accident.
“Those conducting illegal mining activities without the necessary legal requirements are at even greater risk,” he said.
Uwizeyimana added that the district is undertaking community mobilisation efforts to discourage illegal mining.
“When minerals are discovered in an area, it should be seen as an opportunity for development. Unfortunately, when people lack proper understanding, we are forced to intervene, sometimes taking them to the transit centers and referring them to training programmes for rehabilitation,” he said.
The vice mayor said that operations carried out between February and April led to the arrest of 48 people involved in illegal mining. They are currently being held in various transit centres across the district.
