Alleged Kruger poachers back in court

Three men who allegedly killed four rhinos in the Kruger National Park on Friday July 1, made another appearance in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today, Wednesday August 3.

The matter was postponed to August 24 for further investigation.

The men, Laurenzo Makamu (31), Georgo Miyanga (49) and Nurro Barros (23), were arrested in the Kruger National Park on July 1.

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A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said in a statement that a tourist in the park had reportedly heard gunshots that day. Field rangers were notified and a helicopter was deployed.

“As the chopper arrived, three men were spotted and captured in possession of a hunting rifle, a silencer, three knives, four cellphones and three bags,” said Mohlala.

The Skukuza police were immediately informed and the three men were arrested. Mohlala said three rhino horns were discovered on the scene, as well as four rhino carcases.

The men had allegedly only removed the horns off three of the rhinos before they were caught.

“Through preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the alleged poachers failed to remove the horn off the fourth rhino as the knife they were reportedly using was broken,” said Mohlala.

He said the men were from Mozambique and in the country illegally, and therefore they will also be charged with contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.