Eight suspected rhino poachers busted in Hammanskraal
“While police were processing the suspects at the police station, another man came and tried to bribe officers with R8 000 to release his friends.”
Eight suspected rhino poachers were expected to appear at the Moretele magistrate’s court on Tuesday facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and bribery.
The men were arrested on Sunday morning after police swiftly responded to a tip-off in Maubane, Temba, north of Pretoria.
Police found a rifle and ammunition during a search of the house where the men were staying, according to spokesperson Sergeant Herman Moremi.
All the men (aged, 31, 33, 36, 42 and 47) were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Moremi said while police were processing the suspects at the police station, a 33-year-old man came and tried to bribe officers R8 000 to release his friends.
He added the man was also arrested for bribery.
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Station commander Brigadier Martha Mokobori applauded the police who responded to the call and made the arrest.
“This is how the police in Temba should work together with the community to fight crime,” he said.
“In this way, the police will gain trust and respect from community members.”
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