Hakizisuka was arrested in Nyamwiza Village, Munini Cell, in Rwimbogo Sector with the meat after killing the hippopotamus in Akagera National Park.

The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the suspect was apprehended red-handed on the way home with a sack of hippo meat.

“Hakizisuka was intercepted coming from Akagera National Park at about 7:30pm, following information provided by residents," said CIP Twizeyimana.

He warned against killing protected animals in gazetted areas

Hakizisuka along with the exhibit were handed over to RIB at Rwimbogo station for further legal process.

Article 44 of Law N°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment prohibits the following acts in order to protect biodiversity: burning forests, national parks and reserved areas, burning swamps, grazing land, bushes, grass with the aim of agriculture or organising grazing land, killing, injuring and capturing animals of endangered species, destroying or damaging habitats, larvae, pupae or the young animals of the endangered species, causing death or burning protected plants, harvesting or destroying them, transporting or selling the remains of a whole or part of an animal and plants of endangered species, and cutting trees in forests or protected areas or in national parks.

In the article 58, Any person who hunts, sells, injures or kills a protected animal species and products thereof, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years and a fine not less than five million Rwandan francs (Rwf 5,000,000) and not more than seven million Rwandan francs (Rwf7,000,000).

Hakizisuka along with the exhibit were handed over to RIB at Rwimbogo station for further legal process.