HOEDSPRUIT: Rhino hunters become the hunted
"During the shootout, one suspect was killed, the second sustained serious injuries and the third escaped..."
A special intelligence-led joint operation was conducted at a game reserve near Hoedspruit.
The operation comprised of various police units including the K9 Unit, the Rhino 8 Unit, Anti-poaching Unit, the Endangered Species Unit and private security members.
Police were informed that there was a group of rhino poachers who were en route to a reserve for rhino poaching and in turn waited for their arrival.
Also read: BREAKING NEWS: Five rhino ‘poachers’ arrested in Gravelotte
Within a short space of time, the alleged poachers arrived and when stopped, did not cooporate which led to a shootout with the law enforcement entities.
During the shootout, one suspect was killed, the second sustained serious injuries and the third escaped and dissappeared into the bushes, but he is still being followed.
During the shootout, no police officers or private security members was injured.
The following items were recovered during this operation:
* One 458 hunting rifle with a silencer.
* Ten rounds of ammunition.
* Two knives.
Listen: SAPS AUDIO: Rhino poachers nabbed outside Gravelotte
The 35 year old suspect from Shabalala Trust near Hazyview in the Mpumalanga Province will appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate Court on Monday, October 16.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lt. General Nneke Jim Ledwaba has commended the law enforcement bodies and private security companies on a job well done.
Read: HOEDSPRUIT: Four suspected rhino poachers in court
According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Koatshe Ngoepe, “The general has also assured the citizens of Limpopo that, during the coming festive season, there is going to be a lot of dust where-ever there will be a foot print of any criminal activity but members of the community are still encouraged to inform the police immediately about the existence of any criminal activities in and around their areas.”
Read:
Eighteen suspected rhino poachers arrested
