They are Theogene Munyakagabo Theogene, Oman Bikorimana, Jacques Niyomugabo and Dismas Twajekare, who were arrested in a cassiterite concession located in Kamatamu Village, Mamfu Cell of Muhura Sector.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, warned against such "unlawful and risky mining practices."

"The mining company running the concession (Luna Smelter ) had reported theft of their minerals. On Monday, following information provided by residents about a group of men that was stealing minerals in the concession; Police arrested the four men at the scene with 20kgs of unpurified cassiterite, and traditional tools they were using," said SP Twizeyimana.

The quartet was handed over to RIB at Muhura station.

Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.

The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.