Men caught poaching red-handed
"We are happy about the arrests and hope it will sent a clear message that police not tolerate poachers as poaching is a contentious issue these days"
ELUKWATINI – A retired and a current prison warders were arrested with three other suspects for poaching and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Songimvelo Nature Reserve on Saturday.
The suspects, Mr Sifiso Lukhele (26), Mr Mfanzile Mazibuko (28), Mr Patrick Mazibuko (38), Mr David Nkosi (38) and Mr Makhaza Obadia Ndlovu, were arrested after rangers from the reserve called for a backup from the local police after spotting poachers in the area.
“The officers together with the rangers combed the reserve in search of the suspects and caught them red-handed after they had killed a kudu and an impala,”explained WO Peace Solly Mbokane.
He added that the suspects were found in possession of two hunting rifles with binoculars and 65 rounds of live ammunition, which were then confiscated for safekeeping by the police.
The suspects’ vehicle was found hidden in the park and was also confiscated.
“We are happy about the arrests and hope it will sent a clear message that police not tolerate poachers as poaching is a contentious issue these days and it seems poachers are turning deaf ears against the public concern to bring it to a halt,”he adds.
“We appeal to community members to refrain from poaching as it is a act of selfishness where the perpetrators just seek to advance their own selfish ends. When left unopposed, it is likely to rob the future generations of a sight of these beautiful creatures,” Mbokane said.
Police investigations have revealed that one of the suspects is a warder from Barberton Prison and another an ex-prison warder from the same correctional facility.
The five suspects appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and the court outcome was not known at the time of going to print.
