Rhino poaching accused arrested for robbery

The man and two others were arrested in Bulgerivier, near Vaalwater, on Sunday for robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said in a statement.

 

Five men had tied up a couple and robbed them of R2000, US2000, four diamond wedding rings, cellphones, laptops, firearms, documents, and a handbag, he said.

 

The arrests were made after an eight-hour manhunt involving two helicopters and the Community Policing Forum.

 

"One of the suspects was found in possession of a Z88 pistol belonging to a police officer, the other was found in possession of two revolvers, while the third suspect, who was out on bail for rhino poaching, was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and five live [rounds of] ammunition."

 

The three would appear soon in the Lephalale Magistrate's Court. The police were still searching for the other two, said Mulaudzi.

 

(File photo: Gallo Images)