50 arrested for rhino poaching in the past four weeks

Two of these suspects, a father and son appeared at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on November 6, on charges of possession of unlicensed fire arms which may be related to rhino poaching. This is after two hunting rifles were found at their home in Calcutta near Hazyview.

Another two suspects aged 24 and 33 years were arrested this past weekend after they were found in possession of hunting rifle in KwaMsane. Police also seized a Toyota Hilux Bakkie which they were traveling in.
During these various arrests the Rhino 8 team also confiscated several vehicles including a Toyota Quantum, VW Golf Polo, a BMW 3 series, and 17 firearms including rifles and pistols, a variety of ammunition, silencers, axes, knives and cellphones.

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In the meantime, at least six suspects that were arrested earlier this year have been convicted and sentenced to 39 years accumulatively. Most of the suspects have since appeared in various courts on charges related to unlawful possession of firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of dangerous weapon/s, trespassing, kidnapping and assault.
One of these accused, Maphoyisa Mahlaule was sentenced to an effective 20 years imprisonment by the Skukuza regional court for hunting a protected animal, possession of unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of firearm intend to commit a crime and trespassing.
The Rhino 8 team says they are hopeful that the conviction and sentencing of these suspects will serve as a warning to other potential poachers.