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

Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, says Sergio Mathebula and July Sihlangu, both aged 32, 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.

Their arrest follows information received by a field ranger’s manager, that people entered the park illegally through the Malelane section. Law enforcement agencies were mobilised to help trace the suspected poachers.

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

With the help of the helicopter, two men were found hiding in the grass and arrested. They were charged with possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition as well as the illegal possession of rhino horns.

“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,” says Mohlala.

The men made a brief appearance in the Skukuza Regional Court yesterday. They were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to next week Wednesday for a formal bail application.

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.”