Suspected rhino poachers appear in court
Two men appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after they were arrested while on their way to allegedly hunt rhino in Limpopo, police said.
Andries Mathebula, 42 and Shardack Zitha, 37, a Mozambican national, faced charges of illegal possession of arms and ammunition and conspiracy to poach rhino, said spokesperson Colonel Ronel Otto.
The suspects appeared in court on World Rhino Day as countries worldwide highlight the plight of the rhino, and step up awareness campaigns to protect rhinos from poachers.
“They were arrested on Monday night along the R101 between Polokwane and Mokopane after a tip-off was received about alleged poachers on their way to hunt rhino. They were forced off the road by the provincial rhino task team, a hunting rifle, an axe and a ladder were confiscated,” said Otto.
The case has been postponed to October 1 for bail application. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)