Poachers arrested near Badplaas
According to Elukwatini police spokesman, Const Peace Mbokane the five were arrested after game rangers of the nature reserve requested backup since they had spotted poachers. He said the rangers, with the assistance of the police officers, combed the reserve in search of the suspects.
An officer attached to the Barberton Department of Correctional Services and a former official, were arrested at Songimvelo Nature Reserve in Elukwatini near Badplaas, last Saturday at about 18:00.
Patrick Mazibuko (38) and Makhaza Obedia Ndlovu (46) were arrested along with three other men residing at Elukwatini.
The accomplices have been identified as Sifiso Lukhele (26), Mfanzile Mazibuko (28) and David Nkosi (38).
According to Elukwatini police spokesman, Const Peace Mbokane the five were arrested after game rangers of the nature reserve requested backup since they had spotted poachers. He said the rangers, with the assistance of the police officers, combed the reserve in search of the suspects.
“It was, however, a little bit late when the suspects were nabbed as they had already slain two of the wild beasts – a kudu and impala. Two unlicensed hunting riffles with binoculars as well as 65 live ammunitions were found in the suspects’ possession and they were confiscated by the police for safekeeping. The vehicle – a red Nissan Rodeo bakkie – which they had hidden within the park when they were carrying out their mission, was also taken to the police station,” said Mbokane.
He added that poaching was becoming a contentious issue these days and it seemed as if poachers were turning deaf ears against the public concern to bring it to a halt.
“It is a serious concern for the local officers as the local game reserve is often targeted as it is home for the endangered species. We appeal to community members to refrain from poaching as not only is it an extinctor of our wild animals, it is also an act of selfishness where the perpetrators seek to advance only their selfish ends. When left unopposed, it is likely to rob the future generations of a sight of these beautiful creatures,” said Mbokane.
The five suspects appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday. They were each granted a bail of R 1000 pending their next court appearance on September 9.
Meanwhile, the station commander of Elukwatini, Col Precious Mabuza, praised the outstanding work of the arresting officers and for sending a clear message to other would-be offenders that Elukwatini will not be used as a poaching area. “Wildlife is speechless, but we are the voice of the voiceless and we cannot afford to let vandals rob us of this celestial beauty. We will fight with our all to enforce the law,” she said.
