Alleged KNP poachers’ matter postponed

The case of the three alleged poachers accused of killing four rhinos in one day in the Kruger National Park (KNP), has been postponed to September 28 for further investigation.

The trio recently appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court.

Laurenzo Makamu (31), Georgo Miyanga (49) and Nurro Barros (23) were arrested in the park after allegedly killing four rhinos on Friday 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 on Friday. Mohlala said the information was related to field rangers 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 mobile phones and three bags,” said Mohlala.

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

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

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“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.