Tactico Security and Anti-Poaching responded after muffled gunshots were reported.

Within minutes, the Tactico team found the rhino cow’s dehorned carcass and immediately deployed trackers in hot pursuit of the poachers, SanWild Wildlife Trust wrote on their Facebook page.

SanWild’s manager deployed a drone to assist with the chase over challenging terrain.

The local community also responded in full force, coordinating teams to lock down the surrounding area and all possible escape routes.

Also read: Rhino killings decline during lockdown

Atac K9 deployed their tracker dogs on the poachers’ trail while ‘The Hope for Wildlife’ helicopter was called in from Hoedspruit to assist with aerial support and to search for the poachers.

The coordinated efforts of everyone involved paid off, and after a long and challenging chase, two suspects were caught.

This incident has been the second blow to rhino poachers in the area within three months.

At the beginning of December last year, rhino poachers were ambushed on SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary and chased over neighbouring farms.

In their attempt to get away, they dropped all their rifles and equipment, which the SanWild team recovered and handed over to the police.

“The loss of two more rhino’s especially a little calf is traumatic for everyone involved.

The battle to keep these animals protected is real and a constant struggle for hundreds of people who dedicated their lives to this cause.

There is some comfort in knowing that this arrest is a huge step forward and a big win for farmers in the Gravelotte area who this particular syndicate has been relentlessly targeting.

“From the SanWild team, we would like to thank everyone who helped and congratulate every individual who played a role in catching the criminals,” said Didi Schoeman, chairman of SanWild Trust.