Alleged poachers arrested in Ohrigstad
According to Phokane, the suspects are all from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga. "They were arrested and charged with possession of an unlawful firearm, possession of unlawful ammunition and possession of dangerous weapons."
OHRIGSTAD – Three men believed to be members of a poaching syndicate were arrested at the Caltex filling station in the town on Saturday. These men are between the ages of 33 and 48.
Ohrigstad SAPS spokesman, Sgt Kholofelo Phokane, said the trio were arrested by a police Tactical Response Team (TRT) and rhino task team. He said the arrest followed after the police had received a tip-off about the three suspects, who were on route to engage in poaching around the Ohrigstad and Lydenburg areas.
ALSO READ:
https://steelburgernews.co.za/266769/new-station-commander-ohrigstad-saps/
“An operation comprising of the Ohrigstad Crime Prevention unit, Limpopo Rhino Poaching unit, TRT and Ohrigstad farmers was conducted and at around 20:30. The suspects, who were driving a silver Mazda 6, were spotted at Caltex and stopped by the team. Upon searching them and the vehicle, the police recovered a hunting rifle with the serial number filed off, eight live rounds, a silencer, two bush knives, spark spray and an axe.”
According to Phokane, the suspects are all from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga. “They were arrested and charged with possession of an unlawful firearm, possession of unlawful ammunition and possession of dangerous weapons.”
Phokane said investigations are still continuing into the matter. The firearm will be taken to the forensic lab to check if it was not used in the commission of other crimes. “They will all appear before the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court soon.”
This is not the first success by the SAPS with relation to poaching. In April, three suspects, also from Mpumalanga, were arrested in Ohrigstad for similar offences. “Their case is still ongoing and they were denied bail. Their next appearance is scheduled for October 14 at the Burgersfort Regional Court.”
The station commander of Ohrigstad SAPS, Capt Jeanette Nape, warned all would-be criminals, especially illegal poachers, that Ohrigstad will not be a playground for criminals, and that the police will stop at nothing to ensure that those who do not obey the laws of this country be brought to book.
