Kigali: Police in Rusizi District has arrested two men identified as Theobald Manigabe, 33, and Placide Muzehe, 28, for conducting illegal fishing activities in Lake Kivu.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday fishing in the prohibited area on the side of Gihaya Cell in Gihundwe Sector.
The duo was fishing in prohibited area reserved for the growth of sardine fish, locally known as Isambaza, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said.
He added that the arrest followed information from local leaders in Gihundwe and fishing cooperatives’ patrol.
“Both suspects were leaders in two separate boats. They ordered members aboard their fishing boats to thrown nets in the gazetted area prohibited for fishing. They were arrested in partnership with the fishing cooperatives’ patrol,” said CIP Karekezi.
To ensure the security of the prohibited fishing areas and any other illegal activities, fishing cooperatives instituted a patrol group to supplement security efforts in Rwanda’s largest lake.
“When authorities impose a ban on fishing activities for a specific period to allow fish to restock, this cooperatives’ patrol boat plays the role to support marine security to monitor and implement the policy to ensure that fish matures,” spokesperson added.
He also appealed to the fishing communities to continue working with law enforcement officers to identify and arrest potential lawbreakers whose actions affect fish restocking.
“Fishermen are urged to create positive impact on activities in the lake and report, either their members or anyone they suspect to be involved in illegal or criminal activities in the lake,” CIP Karekezi emphasized. (End)