The National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) has revealed that 150 wildlife crimes have been recorded in Rwanda over the past five years, highlighting the urgent need for action. Wildlife crime refers to activities that violate legislation protecting wild animals and plants, pushing them to the brink of extinction. The NPPA’s report recorded 27 cases of wildlife crimes in the 2018/19 period, with 16 of them reaching the courts, while in 2019/2020, the prosecution received another 27 cases, and only three have been resolved so far.
In 2020/21, 35 wildlife crime cases were documented, and 29 of them were filed for court hearings, with only six cases being resolved. The situation has worsened in 2021/22, with 44 crimes against wildlife reported, indicating a concerning increase in offenses. As of now, 36 cases have been filed in court, and eight have been concluded.
Between July and December 2022, the prosecution received 17 new cases related to wildlife crimes, highlighting an ongoing threat to biodiversity. As per the criminal law, transnational offenses refer to offenses in which one or more elements occur outside Rwanda’s borders.
Michelle Terblanche, a passenger traveling from China to South Africa via Kigali, was apprehended on July 2, 2019, for possessing six tortoises, three of which were already deceased. Investigations revealed that Terblanche managed to transport the tortoises by concealing them within her belt and posing as a pregnant woman. However, scanners at Kigali International Airport detected her illegal cargo.
“To effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate environmental crimes, law enforcement authorities, including investigators, prosecutors, and judges, must receive specialized training in wildlife and environmental offenses,” said Jean Pierre Habarurema, a prosecutor. Habarurema further emphasized the need for international cooperation due to the transboundary nature of most wildlife and environmental crimes.
The 2021 law governing biological diversity stipulates that engaging in activities such as poaching, injuring, capturing, stressing, or breeding wild animals constitutes an offense. Upon conviction, individuals found guilty are subject to imprisonment for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years and a fine ranging from Rwf500,000 to Rwf1 million. If the offense occurs within a protected area, the penalty increases to imprisonment for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years and a fine ranging from Rwf1 million to Rwf5 million. Individuals who possess, transfer, sell, buy, or use wild animals also commit an offense, and upon conviction, they face imprisonment for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years and a fine ranging from Rwf1 million to Rwf5 million.
