Niyonzima was red-handedly apprehended after falling 53 eucalyptus trees in the government forest located in Gatare Village, Bugera Cell of Remera Sector.

Superintendent of Police SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Eastern region Police spokesperson, said the suspect was reported by local residents.

"When residents saw Niyonzima cutting trees in a protected forest, they called local leaders and the Police. He was found in the forest after cutting 53 trees. He was selling the trees as firewood," said SP Twizeyimana.

He commended residents for the community policing spirit to fight such acts of environmental degradation.

Niyonzima was handed over to RIB at Remera station for further investigation.

Article 44 of Law N°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment prohibits cutting trees in forests or protected areas or in national parks.

In article 59; any person who causes death, destroys protected plants, harvests or damages them, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and not more than five years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf3 million.