POLOKWANE – The Limpopo police have on Friday evening arrested three suspected rhino poachers at a private game reserve in Hoedspruit.
The suspects, two aged 20, and a 29- year-old are from Hazyview (Mpumalanga) and Alexander (Gauteng) respectively. The three were arrested by police and park rangers after they allegedly shot and killed two rhinos and dehorned them. During the arrest police confiscated an unlicensed hunting rifle with a silencer and ammunition, two bags with three rhino horns, an axe, three knives and two cell phones.
The two dead rhinos have been recovered whilst the rifle has been taken for ballistic testing to determine if it was used during the commission of any other crimes. Police investigations are also underway to determine if the three suspects can be linked to any other criminal activities. The three suspects will appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing charges of Illegal hunting of protected game and possession of unlicensed firearm. Police investigations continue.