IN a national anti-poaching initiative undertaken by Operation Rhino and various police specialists, eight rhino poachers have been arrested and appeared in court in the past week.
The arrests took place in Mtubatuba, as well as Phalaborwa, Limpopo, and Skukusa, and the accused appeared in courts at Hluhluwe, Mkhuze, Mhala and Hoedspruit on various charges including possession of firearms, hijacking, conspiracy to poach and possession of rhino horns.
During the arrests Operation Rhino members recovered firearms – including pistols and hunting rifles – as well as ammunition, stolen vehicles, hunting knives and axes.
Operation Rhino members comprise of forensic experts, and SAPS detectives from the National Intervention Unit, Crime Intelligence Unit and Tactical Response Team.
They undertake operations in areas most affected by poaching, focusing on national parks and the surrounding areas.
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