Suspected rhino poacher arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition
On Thursday, 29 September 2016, Sannieshof Stock theft Unit together with police in Schweizer- Reneke, arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Elias Clifford Mashigo in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke for possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
The suspect who is from Ivory Park in Tembisa, Gauteng Province was arrested after the police acted on a tip-off that he was on his way to Bloemhof. It was during a follow-up that the suspect's vehicle was spotted near a tavern in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke. It was during questioning and search at Schweizer-Reneke police station that a rifle, a silencer, seven ammunition used to kill rhinos and elephants, an axe as well as a foil were found hidden inside the suspect's vehicle. He was then arrested.
Preliminary investigation has shown that the suspect has an outstanding case of bribery and corruption in Honeydew, Gauteng Province. The police cannot rule out a likelihood that the suspect was planning to poach rhinos in the North West.
He appeared in the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrates Court, today, 30 September 2016 and the accused was remanded in custody until 6 October 2016 for bail application.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended the members for their cooperation that culminated in the arrest of the suspect.
Media enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Pelonomi Makau
Cell: 082 856 0932
