Excellent collaboration between police and security officers from a private game reserve resulted in the swift arrest of two suspects as well as the confiscation of poaching equipment early on Friday morning, 07 July 2023.
It is alleged that at about 06:00, Port Alfred K9 Unit members and the security officials stopped a vehicle on the R67 at Koonaprivier between Makhanda and Fort Beaufort. The vehicle was searched and a rifle and live rounds of ammunition as well as equipment were found hidden in various places inside the vehicle. The two suspects, aged between 30 and 40, from Tembisa in Gauteng, were detained on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
They are expected to appear in the Fort Beaufort Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10 July 2023.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka welcomed the arrests and indicated that rhino poaching poses a significant threat to the already vulnerable species, therefore it’s preservation must be protected, and the suspects apprehended. He added that,’ illegal rhino poaching is a criminal offence hence the consequences of engaging in poaching activities will be severe. We will not tolerate the continued exploitation of our wildlife as we work closely with wildlife conservation to bring perpetrators to book.’
