Two cops and civillians to appear for rhino poaching
The arrest follows after information was received about four people who were going to poach rhinos at the Ngodwana-Kangaroo Game Reserve.
MBOMBELA – Two constables and four other males are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s court in relation to rhino poaching and other related cases today.
A Crime Intelligence driven operation was conducted within the area. Members from the Crime Intelligence Unit in the Pienaar Cluster co-ordinated as well as followed up the given information and went to Ngodwana area wherein two police officials stationed at the Masoyi Detectives were spotted arriving at the Game Reserve driving a state-owned vehicle to collect the four men.
Surveillance was conducted and the two detectives were seen picking up the four individuals who were carrying some bags and plastic bags. Immediately after the state vehicle was in motion, it was chased until within approximately 5km from Mbombela Stadium when the driver finally decided to stop.
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During the search, police members who had already been activated by Crime Intelligence for assistance, discovered two freshly cut rhino horns, as well as a hunting rifle loaded with four live rounds. All the six men including the two detectives aged between 19 and 42 were arrested. The suspects are also facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as ammunition.
An internal investigation regarding the unethical conduct of the two members is underway. An intensive investigation is also going to be conducted to ascertain whether the suspects are not involved in other criminal activities. Police members are forewarned not to drag the name of the South African Police Service into disrepute by engaging themselves in criminal acts.
Also read: Police men arrested for rhino poaching
