LIMPOPO – The said incident happened at Harmony Block 17B after on-duty rangers intercepted three ‘would-be rhino poachers’ on the farm on Sunday. “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, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
Police were notified and arrived on the scene to find the two suspects lying on the ground. Both had been sustained serious gun shot 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, and axe and four cellphones were recovered.
The two suspects are still recuperating in hospital under police guard and will appear before the Phalaborwa Magaistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Police investigations continue.
