Four suspected poachers tracked and caught in Gravelotte
Four men were arrested on Sunday after shots were fired on a game farm near Gravelotte.
The four suspects appeared before Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 30 in connection with conspiracy to commit rhino poaching, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition. Fanuel Mnisi (44), Godfrey Nukeri (36), Ceremao Baloyi (62), Eddy Sithole (46) were remanded in police custody and will be appearing in court again next week.
On Sunday, January 28, gunshot sounds were reported at Harmony Farm 16 in the Gravelotte policing area, and security guards immediately responded by searching the farm for the suspects until they found their tracks. The security guards, Hoedspruit Farm Watch, and Gravelotte Crime Prevention members executed a joint search operation. They managed to identify a suspicious white Ford Ranger bakkie that was driving along the R36 public road heading in the direction of Mpumalanga.
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The vehicle was stopped and searched. Police found two unlicensed hunting rifles with silencers, one rifle butt, five rounds of ammunition, one axe and one pair of pliers. “An incursion was detected over the weekend and an extended tracking of the suspects was initiated. A large group of volunteers worked together to track down the poachers. During the operation, a suspicious vehicle was noted on the R36 and was stopped and searched. During the search two high-calibre rifles were found as well as ammunition and hunting equipment.
The four suspects in the vehicle were all detained. The suspects were asked about the origin of the weapons but could not provide a satisfactory response. Groups involved include Ofcolaco Farmwatch, Hoedspruit Farm Watch, Hemnersbach Rhino Force, Protrack, GKEPF, Rhino Revolution and Rhino Connect,” said Hoedspruit Farm Watch management. The suspects are two South Africans and two Mozambican nationals. The car and weapons were seized during their arrest. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers has applauded all role-players who participated in the operations that resulted in the arrest.
Police investigations are continuing.
