Two suspected rhino poachers were arrested after a high-speed chase on the R34 near Vryheid in KZN on Thursday.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala says Vryheid police officers acted on information regarding the suspects who were travelling in a vehicle believed to be loaded with rhino horns.

“The identified vehicle was spotted driving along the R34 travelling towards Vryheid and a high-speed chase ensued.”

She says the vehicle was then intercepted near Klipfontein Dam.

Gwala says two men, aged 51 and 64, were found in the vehicle and a search was conducted.

“Upon searching the vehicle, police found a rifle inside the engine as well as two rhino horns wrapped in a black plastic.

“Both suspects were placed under arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of rhino horns. A carcass of a rhino was found at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.”

Gwala says it was established that the recovered firearm was stolen at Kabega Park in the Eastern Cape.

She adds that the preliminary investigation conducted by police revealed that a 51-year-old suspect was out on parole for charges of attempted murder and robbery that were opened in Camperdown.

The other suspect is wanted in connection with other cases in other provinces.

Both suspects were due to appear in the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court yesterday.