The suspect, Francois Kanyeshyamba, 43, was arrested on Wednesday in possession of 2kgs of Antelope meat and its skin. It was killed in Gabiro gazetted forest.

Kanyeshyamba admitted to series of poaching activities in the protected forest.

The Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana said that the suspect was arrested following reliable information about poaching, which helped the Police to track the suspect.

“Following the received information on poaching activities in Gabiro forest, Police prepared an operation and arrested Kanyeshyamba red-handed selling the Antelope meat in Rwimbogo Sector, Rwikinira Cell,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

The spokesperson thanked people, who tipped off the police on the illegal hunting activities and called for a strong partnership to fight the acts.

“We call upon residents living near protected national reserves to desist from collaborating environmental degradation activities, including poaching, and collaborate with law enforcers to protect these animals,” he urged.

The article 58 of Law n°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment states: “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 Rwf5 million and not more than Rwf7 million.