Rwanda National Police

Police in Kamonyi District, on February 19, intercepted a motorcyclist identified as Alex Hakizimana, 39, who was transporting 90kgs of meat contrary to the legally set health standards.

Hakizimana, who was transporting the meat on the motorcycle plate number RD 648E, was apprenhended in Gacurabwenge sector.

He was at the time transporting it to Runda from Kayenzi sector, when he was intercepted by the Police in Gacurabwenge, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said.

“Police officers were on their routine duties at about 11am on Wednesday, when they stopped Hakizimana after getting suspicious of what was in the sack, which he carried on the motorcycle,” said CIP Twajamahoro.

“Indeed, when they opened the sack they found it contained meat, which he was transporting contrary to set health standards and had no any document related to meat business,” he added.

Hakizimana is a commercial motorcyclist in Kayenzi Sector, Kamonyi District.

“There are set hygienic standards under which meat should be handled, packed and transported by a specific vehicle, which should also fulfill all the required standards. Contrary to that, you will be arrested,” the spokesperson warned.

A Ministerial Order on transport and trade of meat of November 2010, specifies that the transport of fresh chilled or frozen meat for food purpose shall be carried in such a manner to not be seen from outside. The meat shall be properly covered and protected against the sun, rain mud, dust and flies.

Transportation of fresh, chilled or frozen, non-packed meat shall be used in closed vans, separate from the driver, internally covered with galvanized brass or any other stainless.

The Ministerial Order also states that the upper part of the van transporting meat should have rails to facilitate the handling of meat. In addition, its interior layout shall allow daily cleaning using water with detergent, and that people employed in the transportation of meat shall be wearing washable overcoats and hats, and properly shod.