MBOMBELA – Three suspects wanted in connection with rhino poaching were arrested in the city on Wednesday.
According to Hi-Tech response manager, Mr Callum MacPherson, the security company assisted in the arrests of Messrs Philip Ndlovu (38) and Fanaloti Lekhuleni (24)
“We were asked by the SAPS Environmental Crime Response Unit for Endangered Species to help apprehend suspects linked to poaching,” he said.
He said Hi-Tech together with members of the unit waited for the suspects in the parking lot. “They tried to flee, but didn’t get far,” he added.
A third man, Mr Cassie Steyn (22), was arrested elsewhere in Mbombela.
According to Limpopo Province police spokesman, Col Ronel Otto, a suspect was arrested earlier on Wednesday on the Orpen Road near Hoedspruit, after members of the task team received a tip off.
A .375 rifle with a silencer with ammunition was found in the possession of Mr Gilbert Chalmers (22) from Pretoria and seized.
A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects in Mbombela.
All four accused appeared in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Chalmers faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to commit rhino poaching.
Ndlovu, Lekhuleni and Steyn face charges of conspiracy to commit rhino poaching.
Chalmers and Steyn were released on R5 000 bail each.
The bail application for Ndlovu and Lekhuleni is continuing. They were remanded in custody.
The case has been postponed to September 28.
Read more related articles here:
UPDATE: Another KNP ranger in court for rhino poaching
Former soldier guilty of rhino poaching
Rhino poachers jailed for 26 years
