‘Poachers’ nabbed in operation
The suspects in the case of rhino poaching are expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate Court this week, following an incident that happened on Wednesday 4 September.
The suspects in the case of rhino poaching are expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate Court this week, following an incident that happened on Wednesday 4 September.
The suspects aged between 31 and 37, were intercepted at different locations during a sting operation comprising of various police units, including also private security and farmers.
The operation was conducted around Rankin’s Paas and Vaalwater.
The arrests follow an incident which occurred at a farm in the Rankin’s Pass area, where one rhino was shot dead and subsequently dehorned.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, said the police were immediately notified and reacted accordingly.
The poachers’ tracks were followed with air support, until three suspects were arrested in Rankin’s Pass and Vaalwater areas respectively.
Ngoepe said two other suspects are still on the run but they were identified and a manhunt is already underway.
A motor vehicle, two rhino horns, a hunting rifle with a silencer, eight rounds of ammunition and an axe were confiscated.
The Police are appealing to anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the remaining suspects to contact Colonel Alpheus Mokale at 082 565 6524 or the crime stop number
0860010111or the nearest police station.
— The BEAT
