Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that the group had already slaughtered 20 pigs, when the Police responded to a call on the illegal act, at about 05a.m.

“They had turned the piggery into a slaughterhouse, which is illegal, contravening the public health and standard regulations. They were operating in unhygienic place,” CIP Twajamahoro said.

The suspects, he said, include a guard and three employees at the pig farm. The search for the owner of the piggery, who allegedly told them to slaughter the pigs, is still underway.

Under article 39 of regulation number DGO/REG/003 of 25/04/2022 governing meat businesses, a legal on-farm slaughterhouse for poultry, rabbit and Guinea pigs shall comply with the provisions of the general requirements.

It shall be physically separated from the farming premises and shall provide onsite chilling facilities.

CIP Twajamahoro warned livestock farmers against turning their farms into slaughterhouses and urged meat dealers to comply with related businesses standards that respects and protections consumer health.

Last month, Police in Kigali also impounded an unlicensed vehicle, which was transporting at least 800kgs of uninspected meat.

The Ministerial Order n°013/11.30 of 18/11/2010 on transport and trade of meat, particularly article 2, stipulates that “…the transport of fresh chilled or frozen meat for food purpose shall be carried in such a manner to not be seen from outside. The meat shall be properly covered and protected against the sun, rain mud, dust, and flies.”

Article 3 of the same order states that the motor-vehicle transportation of fresh, chilled or frozen, non-packed meat shall use closed vans, separate from the driver, internally covered with galvanized brass or any other stainless material.

The van must be inspected first and licensed to transport meat.