LIMPOPO – According to Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the police received a tip off about the alleged illegal poachers on the said farm and reacted swiftly.
Two suspects were spotted, found to be in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and were arrested immediately. Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of a third suspect who was driving a getaway car. He was shot and injured during the process and was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention,” explained Ngoepe.
A fourth suspect and the driver of the second getaway vehicle managed to evade arrest by abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. He is still being sought.
“Anyone with information that can assist the Police to arrest the remaining suspect in the Hoedspruit incident, may contact Captain Cobra Moriri at 083 381 4313 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211 or nearest Police Station,” he added.
The arrested suspects (aged between 23 and 44-years-old) will appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of illegal poaching and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Meanwhile in The Zebediela and Mokopane policing area the police continues to achieve massive results in the fight against the mushrooming of illegal firearms.
– In Zebediela six suspects (aged between 23 and 35) were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms during a special intelligent led joint operation conducted near Mathibela Phase 1 village next to Groothoek Garage.
– In Mokopane two suspects (aged 25 and 36) were arrested and firearms and ammunition recovered during operation “Ceasefire” which was conducted in the CBD and the surrounding areas.
The arrested suspects will appear before the Mokopane and Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Courts respectively soon.
The Police investigations in all this cases are still continuing.
