Three suspected rhino poachers arrested in Mpumalanga

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the police’s National Intervention Unit and Mpumalanga Tracking Team apprehended the three in the early hours of Friday morning.

“A 30-year-old South African male and a 32-year-old Mozambican male were arrested at their place of residence,” Naidoo said. He said a 416 calibre Hunting Rifle and 458 silencer, with no serial number, were seized when the two men were arrested.

They were charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and were expected to appear at the Acornhoek Magistrate’s court on Friday.

“Shortly after these suspects were arrested, a 38-year-old South African male was also arrested for a separate suspected rhino poaching case.”

Naidoo said the third suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, after a 38 Special Revolver; with no serial number; two 38 rounds; a 38 cartridge and an axe were found at his place.

He was also expected to appear in the same court as the other two on Friday.

“Our efforts to deal with this plague proactively are steadily gaining momentum. 

 

However, while these positive results can be attributed to close and untiring cooperation of our local communities, a lot more still needs to be done to save our animals, particularly the rhinos.”

ANA