Three suspected rhino poachers, aged between 34 and 50, were arrested in Paulpietersburg, KZN, on Saturday, with two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn in their possession.

Zululand Observer reports that the Zululand Police Cluster spokesperson, Captain Nkosie Gwala, said three men wearing masks entered a game reserve and accosted two security guards. After tying them up, they robbed them of a shotgun, an R5 assault rifle and their cellphones.

“It is alleged that the trio proceeded to shoot a rhino and remove its horn. While busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by an alarm that had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving the shotgun next to the rhino carcass.”

Gwala added that police responded, but discovered the suspects had fled the game reserve.

“Police and private security personnel worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, they were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush.”

They will appear in Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery, rhino poaching and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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