UPDATE: Another policeman arrested in Mr Big/Big Joe poaching case #poachingsyndicates
She gave herself over to the police this morning. #poachingsyndicates
HAZYVIEW – Const Rachel Qwabana handed herself over to the police this morning.
According to Hawks spokesman Qwabana “was on the run” after the arrests of the six other accused.
They are charged with, amongst others, rhino horn theft and the possession of stolen goods.
Qwabana was a constable at the Acornhoek Stock Theft Unit.
ALSO READ: The truth behind poaching syndicates
SEPTEMBER 19
Alleged rhino horn kingpin Joseph Nyalungu, better known as Big Joe, as well as Petros Sidney Mabuza, better known as Mr Big, appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court today.
They appeared with two active members of the police. Capt Phineas Lubisi and Const Aretha Mhlongo appeared together with former police constable Claude Lubisi.
The arrests came after a long investigation by the Hawks facing charges of, among other, rhino poaching and theft.
ALSO READ: Vermeende sindikaatlid ‘Big Joe’ se saak uitgestel
According to Hawks spokesman Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, the operation began yesterday. There are unconfirmed reports that this is part of the largest police operation against rhino poaching countrywide.
“While the investigation was ongoing, it was found that one of the suspects owes SARS R21 million,” Sekgotodi said and confirmed that this is in fact Big Joe.
The Hawks, along with SARS and the police are currently busy confiscating assets belonging to the accused and will continue with this tomorrow.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: “Mr Big” released on bail
