MBOMBELA – The local Hawks arrested two women and a man for a conspiracy to poach rhinos in the Kruger National Park yesterday. They were arrested at Numbi Gate, thanks to an anonymous tip-off.
According to Hawks spokesman, Lt Robert Netshiunda, they received a tip-off about a group of people who were plotting to poach rhinos in Kruger. “Security at all the gates was alerted and on Thursday afternoon the identified vehicle was stopped at Numbi.
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“Upon searching it, a .375 hunting rifle was found hidden at the engine compartment of the vehicle, while a silencer and ammunition were hidden in the boot.
“The intention was apparently to drop-off the firearm inside the park so that it could be picked up by poachers who were already inside the park. One suspect evaded arrest and fled into the bush,” he said.
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The three suspects, aged 20, 21 and 25, will appear before the White River Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as a conspiracy to poach rhinos.
