Three men who had been missing for eight days were found dead in a disused underground section of a mine operated by Big Mining in Ruhango District, after Rwanda National Police officers retrieved their bodies.
The men, aged 29, 34 and 36, were recovered by the Police Fire and Rescue Brigade. Their bodies were taken to a health facility for examination as the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) began investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, the Rwanda National Police spokesperson in the Southern Province, said the men had entered the section without authorisation because it was no longer in use. He also pointed to alleged negligence by the security guard assigned to the site.
“RIB has started investigations into their deaths, and the guard responsible for the site has been arrested so that his professional conduct can be examined. He was employed by a private security company. Further details will be established through the investigation,” Kamanzi said.
Big Mining Managing Director Eugène Shumbusho said that the three men were not employees of the company and alleged that they had entered the underground section to steal minerals.
He said the company was working with the families to help with funeral arrangements.
“They came to steal minerals; they were not our employees. But they are Rwandans, and in our culture we support one another in times of loss. That is why we are working with their families on the burial arrangements,” Shumbusho said.
Asked how the men managed to enter a section that was supposed to be guarded, Shumbusho attributed the incident to poor performance by the guard. He said the company would strengthen its recruitment and training of security personnel, as well as improve safety awareness among workers and people living near its mining operations.
The company said it had not permanently closed the underground section because it could still be useful for other mining operations, including as a temporary refuge area or for providing access and ventilation to other underground sections.
Police say disused mining areas should be rehabilitated to protect people and the environment and prevent further accidents.
The force has urged mining operators to comply with licensing requirements, particularly those relating to worker safety and environmental protection. It has also warned residents against engaging in illegal mining, saying the practice puts lives at risk and is punishable by law.
