R250 000 bail for alleged Lephalale rhino poacher
The suspect was arrested on a farm outside Lephalale last Friday.
LIMPOPO – The case against a 55-year-old Lephalale businessman arrested in connection with the illegal hunting of specially protected wild animals (Rhino) was postponed today in the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court, says the police.
Antonio Freitas was arrested last week after a police search uncovered seven rhino tails, eight portions of lower legs and meat; all packed in the fridge on Ringbult farm, Steenbokpan outside Lephalale.
He appeared in court for this first time on Monday and brought an urgent bail application which the court has resided over for the past few days, according to a statement issued by Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
He added that this morning he was granted bail to the amount of R250 000 with the following conditions:
* He should not interfere with witnesses by talking to them.
* He is not allowed to enter the farm without the permission of the investigating officer
* He has to hand in his two passports
* He is not allowed to leave the Lephalale magisterial district without the permission of the investigating officer.
He is set to reappear on 2 March 2017 on a charge of illegal hunting of specially protected wild animals.
29 January
LIMPOPO –Â A 55-year-old Lephalale businessman has been arrested in connection with the alleged illegal hunting of specially protected wild animals (rhino) in 2016, says the police.
The police were following up information about seven rhinos that were allegedly killed and dehorned on a farm in November 2016, according to a statement issued by Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
“It is alleged the rhino carcasses were brought to the  farm in the Lephalale area by means of trucks and slaughtered there. The police pounced on the said farm after obtaining a search warrant and discovered seven rhino tails, eight portions of lower legs and meat; all packed in the fridge. Some hide hides were also found.”
The origin of these rhinos is still being investigated, said Mojapelo.
Police are following up on information that the helicopter was seen loading the horns and taking off from the said farm. More arrests are expected, he added.
The suspect will appear in Lephalale magistrate court on Monday on a charge of illegal hunting of specially protected wild animals.
Anyone with further information regarding this case is requested to contact Warrant Officer van Heerden at 0824142337.
