Rhino poached at game lodge in Hekpoort
Three men are on the run after poaching a rhino horn and robbing game lodge guards of their cellphones, radios and ammunition.
Three suspects attacked a game lodge on Friday, 28 July at about 11pm and got away with a rhino horn, the guards’ cellphones, radios and ammunition.
Two guards of an anti-poaching company who were on a late shift heard noises coming from the bushes situated behind the lodge, while they were watching over the rhinos.
The guards switched on the spotlight to see what the cause of the noise was, only to have three men point firearms at them. The suspects took the guards’ firearms and tied their hands behind their backs. The guards were ordered to lead the suspects to the rhinos.
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One suspect fired several shots at the animals which then ran away. The rhinos were chased by the suspects. One rhino with a gunshot injury died of its wound, giving one of the suspects the opportunity to cut its horn off and flee with it. Fortunately the guards were not injured, although the suspects fled the scene with their possessions.
Police are urging anyone who has information regarding the poaching to contact the wither Hekpoort Police on 014 576 9100, or Warrant Officer Botties Botma on 071 675 7074.
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