Two alleged rhino poachers nabbed in Kruger National Park

Two Mozambican nationals were arrested while allegedly in possession of two rhino horns in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Wednesday September 21.

A statement by a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said Sergio Mathebula and July Sihlangu, both aged 32, made a brief appearance in the Skukuza Regional Court today, Thursday September 22.

They were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to Wednesday September 28 for a formal bail application.

Mohlala said the duo were allegedly caught with a pair of rhino horns, a hunting rifle with six rounds of ammunition, an axe, three mobile phones, two black bags and food.

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It was reported that on the day of their arrest, a field ranger’s manager had received information about individuals who had allegedly illegally entered the park.

“Other law enforcement agencies were mobilised to assist in tracing the alleged poachers who seemed to have entered the park through the Malelane section.

“A helicopter from the mission area manager was dispatched in order to help track the individuals,” he said.

With the help of the helicopter, the two alleged poachers were spotted and their whereabouts were reported to law enforcement agencies on the ground.

The two men were found hiding in tall grass and were arrested and charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition as well as for the illegal possession of rhino horns.

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“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the two men from Mozambique entered South Africa without documentation, thus they were also charged for contravening the country’s Immigration Act.

“At this stage, the police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the two suspects or link them to other crimes committed elsewhere as the investigation continues,” said Mohlala.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has welcomed their arrest.

“This should send a clear message to others who might consider causing injuries to the country’s pride in our national parks. We previously indicated that a situation in which people can just illegally enter the park to poach will never be tolerated.

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“The law will have to take its course against the suspects. We trust that the team of investigators working with the prosecution team will do their best to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted without fear or favour,” she said.