Seven suspects aged between 17 and 47 have been arrested for poaching and being in possession of wildlife and weapons.

According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, various wildlife species, mostly more than 20 antelope; two hunting rifles; bush knives; ammunition and a light delivery vehicle were confiscated from the Mauchsburg Plantation in Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga yesterday at about 03:00.

“According to information received, the suspects were nabbed as they invaded the plantation and were spotted with technological devices. Security personnel responded to the location in the mountainous plantation in Mauchsburg where various wildlife species were slaughtered and loaded into a light delivery vehicle,” Mohlala says.

Sabie SAPS was summoned to the scene, and they handed the case over to the Pilgrim’s Rest police. Some nature conservation officials were also called in.

The value of the slaughtered wildlife will be made known when conservation officials have completed their assessment.

Mohlala says two licensed hunting rifles with about 500 rounds of live ammunition, seven cellphones, six torches and bush knives were confiscated.

The vehicle used to transport the carcasses was also confiscated. It is believed to belong to one of the suspects.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the antelopes were due to be supplied to illegal miners in and around Pilgrim’s Rest, supposedly as meat.

Police investigations are underway. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

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