Police Arrest Five for Possession of Rhino Horns in Kagera

Police Arrest Five in Kagera for Illegal Trophy Possession

Kagera Region, Tanzania – Authorities in Kagera have apprehended five individuals, including a Ugandan national, for alleged illegal possession of government trophies.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Blasius Chatanda, the Regional Police Commander, named the suspects as Fidelis Ikanga (35), a resident of Kagenyi Village in Kyerwa District; Giburiru Dauda (58) and George Malingumu (35), both from Missenyi District; Sulaiman Semukuye (45), a Ugandan national; and Idephonce Korongo (58) from Kyerwa District.

The arrests followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen on 24 February, which led police to set up a successful trap. During the operation, the suspects were found with two rhino horns in their possession. Investigations are ongoing to fully identify the group’s network, and the suspects will face charges once the investigation concludes.

In addition, police are probing a separate incident in Kyerwa District involving the arson of multiple properties. On 22 February, Francis Butoto, 70, a resident of Kishanda Village, was brutally murdered, with his body later discovered in a pit latrine. The killing led to a mob retaliation, setting fire to two vehicles – a Toyota Premio (T 469 AYG) and a mini canter (T 816 DDY), as well as ten houses and several hectares of banana plantations owned by Bitakalamile Filkon.

SACP Chatanda confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the firebombing, identified as Flora Bitakalamile (42), the widow of the deceased, along with George Bitaka (52), Detrick George (19), and Christopher Bitakalamile (30), all from Kishanda Village. They will also be brought before the court once investigations are completed.