Four suspected rhino poachers killed

 Four suspected rhino poachers were shot dead in the Kruger National Park at the weekend.

 

Rangers in the park made contact with a group of six suspected rhino horn poachers on Saturday, SanParks spokesman Ike Phaahla said on Monday. "A shoot-out ensued between the suspected poachers and the rangers; three of the alleged poachers were killed and the other three were arrested," said Phaahla.

 

Phaahla said two rifles, ammunition and rhino poaching equipment were recovered. Another suspected rhino horn poacher was shot and killed by rangers in Crocodile Bridge in Mpumalanga on Saturday.

  

Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said police also arrested four suspected rhino poachers on Sunday at Hoedspruit. "Police found the alleged poachers in possession of a hunting rifle, firearm silencer and ammunition," said Hangwani.

 

The four men aged between 33 and 46 will appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and charges under the National Environmental Biodiversity Act which includes conspiracy to poach rhino.

 

The court date for the first three arrested was not available.

 

-Sapa