Four Suspected Rhino Poachers Arrested

The police in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, have arrested four suspected rhino poachers believed to have been on their way to poach rhinos in the Kruger National Park.

Police received information about suspected poachers who would enter the Kruger National Park with the aim to shoot and dehorn the animals in the park. The situation was monitored and at approximately 23H00 on Sunday, two suspected vehicles with four occupants were confronted by members from the Tactical Response (TRT) Unit, Stock Theft and Crime Intelligence 10 kilometres away from the Hoedspruit Police station.

Police managed to confiscate a 458 hunting rifle and silencer, 12 pieces of live ammunition and an axe. The origin of the fire-arm is currently being investigated and it will also be sent for ballistic tests.

The four suspects aged between 33 and 46 are from South Africa and Mozambique. They are expected to appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrates’ court on Tuesday on charges of the illegal possession of a fire-arm and ammunition as well as charges under the National Environmental Biodiversity Act which includes the conspiracy to commit a crime of rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Berning Ntlemeza commended the team and reminded the community that an award of up to R500 000 can be paid out to any member of the public who can provide information which will lead to the arrest and the successful conviction of suspects involved in rhino poaching or dealing in rhino horns.

By:
 South African Police Service