The police in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, have arrested three suspected rhino poachers believed to have been on their way to shoot and dehorn rhinos in the Kruger National Park.
Police received information about suspected poachers who would enter the Kruger National Park with the aim to shoot and dehorn the animals in the park. The situation was monitored and at approximately 15h00 on Thursday, the suspected vehicle with three occupants was spotted 2 km away from the Giyani Police station.
The police closed in and arrested the three suspects after confiscating a 375 hunting rifle and silencer, six pieces of live ammunition and camouflage clothing. The Toyota RunX vehicle was also confiscated. The origin of the fire-arm is currently being investigated and it will also be sent for ballistic tests.
The three suspects aged between 30 and 38 are from Mozambique. They are expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrates’ court on Monday on charges of the illegal possession of a fire-arm and ammunition as well as charges under the National Environmental Biodiversity Act which includes the conspiracy to commit a crime of rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Simon Mpembe commended the team for their sterling work and reiterated that the police in Limpopo will fight vigorously to prevent and arrest suspects from killing and dehorning rhinos in the province. Mpembe reminded the community that an award of up to R500 000 can be paid out to any member of the public who can provide information which will lead to the arrest and conviction in court of suspects involved in the act of rhino poaching or dealing in rhino horns.
For enquiries please contact:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
