‘Would-be’ poachers seriously wounded in shoot-out with rangers
It is alleged the third suspect who escaped has been identified and police have launched a manhunt.
A .375 hunting rifle and six rounds of ammunition were also recovered on the scene.
The said incident happened at Harmony Block 17B after on-duty rangers intercepted three “would-be rhino poachers” on the farm on Sunday in Limpopo, Review Online reports.
“It is alleged the rangers warned them to stop, but they ultimately started shooting at the rangers who then retaliated. Two of the three suspects were shot and seriously wounded, the third suspect escaped in the bushes,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe.
READ MORE: Poachers hack 23 KZN rhinos in 12 days
Police were notified and arrived on the scene to find the two suspects lying on the ground. Both had sustained serious gunshot wounds and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The third suspect has been identified and a manhunt continues, added Ngoepe.
During the incident a .375 hunting rifle and six rounds of ammunition, a silencer, a 9mm pistol with six rounds, an axe and four cellphones were recovered.
The two suspects are still recuperating in hospital under police guard and will appear before the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
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– Caxton News Service
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