WHITE RIVER – A fourth suspect briefly appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with alleged rhino poaching near Skukuza in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Two police constables of Skukuza and an ex-corporal field ranger of the park, are already facing charges for the same crime, which includes conspiracy to hunt rhino and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The accused, Messrs Arnold Mashele, Morris Seshlabela and Phineas Dinda, were arrested in May after a joint operation between the Hawks and officials of the park.
They received a tip-off and pulled over a marked Skukuza police van. Upon further investigation a suspected poacher, armed with a .375 hunting rifle and rounds of ammunition were found in the back of the vehicle. The gun, ammunition, a silencer and poaching equipment were seized.
As the bail hearing of the first three accused was already in progress, the fourth suspect will have a separate hearing later.
It continues in court tomorrow.
