Police intercept suspected rhino poachers
Two suspected rhino poachers believed to be part of a bigger syndicate are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court soon after being arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Monday. According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe various units are hard at work conducting joint operations across the province around …
Two suspected rhino poachers believed to be part of a bigger syndicate are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court soon after being arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Monday.
According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe various units are hard at work conducting joint operations across the province around the clock.
were found in the vehicle.
The arrest of the two suspects is a result of a sting operation composed of the Tactical Response Team and the Rhino Task Team following information received from members of the community about a suspicious Volkswagen Polo on a dirt road outside Hoedspruit.
When Police arrived four suspects exited the Polo. Two of them managed to run to a nearby Toyota bakkie, suspected to have been their getaway vehicle, and managed to flee the scene while the other two were apprehended, according to Ngoepe.
Police gave chase of the Toyota bakkie which was later found overturned and deserted on the R537. The vehicles, a rifle, a silencer, a pair of binoculars, ammunition, three knives, three cell phones, bags, work suits and a knife filer were confiscated.
The origin of the two vehicles and rifle is still being determined.
Story: RC Myburgh
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