Rwanda National Police

At least 870kgs of smuggled second-hand clothes and shoes commonly known as caguwa, were seized from suspected smugglers on Wednesday, March 1.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO) said that the smuggled caguwa and other 25 pieces traditional fabric, kitenge, were seized from 11 people, who were arrested in Kagarama cell.

"Following information on a suspected group of smugglers that were headed to Mahembe market with smuggled goods, Police responded and intercepted 11 of them in Gabiro village with combined 800kgs of second-hand clothes, 70kgs of second-hand shoes and 25 pieces of kitenge," said CIP Rukundo.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Gihombo station while the seized goods were taken to RRA stores in Rusizi.

The goods were sneaked into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Lake Kivu, according to CIP Rukundo.

He warned against smuggling, fraud and illegal cross-border, which can also lead to drowning.

Under the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods under article 199, are auctioned.

A vehicle intercepted with smuggled goods is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.

Article 87 of the law on tax procedures provides an imprisonment of between 2 and 5 years, for tax evasion.