The two suspects, Thabane Luka Manganyi and Adrian Maila aged 24 who are facing charges of illegal hunting are expected to appear in Gravellotte Periodical Court tomorrow, 25 March 2021 after they were denied bail yesterday when they appeared in Namakgale Magistrate’s Court.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday, 20 March 2021 at Gravellotte outside Phalaborwa, during a well-coordinated operation comprising Gravellotte SAPS and members of the Farm Watch.
This after they were allegedly found in possession of a rifle silencer and a Rhino horn.
The police received information that the faint sound of a gun was heard on a game farm in the area on Saturday 20 March 2021. A snap operation comprising the police and members of the Farm Watch was immediately conducted in the area.
A suspicious motor vehicle, a bakkie, with four occupants was then spotted travelling along the Eiland gravel road at around 19h10 and was stopped. Two suspects who were seated at the back jumped off and fled into the bushes. One rhino horn was found next to the vehicle. The other two were immediately apprehended. The vehicle was searched and the silencer found and confiscated.
The vehicle was also seized.
Further probe led to the discovery of two carcasses of a calf and adult rhino. The adult rhino had already been dehorned.
The hunt for the remaining suspects is continuing and anyone with information is requested to contact Captain Meyer on 082 319 9460 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station.