[PHOTOS – NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS] Lim SAPS crack down on illegal hunting in the province
Several game carcases were found in various areas in the province including buffalo, lion and black rhino.
LIMPOPO – Police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says several illegal hunting, including cross boarder incidents were reported in this week.
In Masisi, near Thohoyandou, a 41-year-old man was arrested for possession of game meat in Dombini village.
“During his arrest, buffalo meat was recovered and the origin of the animal is suspected to be the Kruger National Park,” says Ngoepe.
An autopsy was conducted on the animal in which DNA samples were collected for further investigation.
“The suspect will appear before the Masisi Magistrates Court on Monday on a charge of illegal hunting of protected species (buffalo).”
In Roedtan near Modimolle, two lions were found at Bahati Estates. The animals were killed, skinned and its heads and feet were also removed.
“The police followed sets of tracks leaving the estate with no success. The suspects are still unknown and no arrests have been made as yet. Investigations will still continue,”Ngoepe says.
In Musina, at the Maremani Nature Reserve, two black rhino carcasses were recovered both animals’ horns were removed.
“At this stage, it is not clear who the suspects are and when the rhinos were killed. No arrests have been made as yet.”
In addition to illegal hunting, Limpopo SAPS are also cracking down on stock theft in the province.
In Alldays, outside Makhado, a group of stock theft suspects were followed until nine out of 23 stolen cattle were recovered.
“The animals were recovered in the Swereki area of Shasi in Zimbabwe. The suspects have not been arrested as yet and police will continue to track the remaining 13 cattle,” Ngoepe says.
Anyone who is aware of any suspects involved in these types of crimes throughout Limpopo are urged to contact Colonel Alpheus Mokale at 0825656524; the nearest police station; the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211.
