They were found in Mashyiga stream where they were mining cassiterite, in Nyakiguma, Birambo cell of Gashari sector.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO) said that the duo was reported by area residents.

"Police had information about a group of people that conduct these illegal mining activities in Mashyiga stream, especially at night, destroying the environment and causing soil erosion.

Police and other members of security organs arrested two of them on Saturday, at about 02a.m, although their accomplices managed to flee in the process," said CIP Rukundo.

Those arrested were handed over to RIB at Gashari station for further legal process.

CIP Rukundo warned against such a illegal mining activities and acts of environmental degradation, which are also risky to those involved.

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 Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 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.