Teamwork between the police and farmers near Gravelotte, Limpopo resulted in the arrest of a suspected poacher after a rhino was killed and his horns hacked off and a second animal wounded.

Cukumetani Makhuvele was arrested at 05:00 on Friday during a joint operation between the police, the Endangered Species Unit and with assistance from Farm Watch members.

According to police, information about a possible poaching came to light after gunshots were heard on a farm. A Toyota double cab bakkie fitting the description given, was spotted on the Eiland road near Letsitele.

The suspects were pulled over and one suspect was arrested while the other two managed to evade arrest.

“During the search, police recovered a high calibre hunting rifle, ammunition, two rhino horns and other hunting equipment. Later the carcass of a rhino was found on the farm where the shots were heard. Both horns had been removed.

“Another wounded rhino was discovered later, fortunately the suspects failed to remove the horns,” says Limpopo police spokesman, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.

The Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court has remanded Makhuvele in custody until his next court appearance next Wednesday.

The provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, thanked the Farm Watch members for being vigilant and working closely with the police to ensure the speedy arrest of the suspect.

“Being our ears and eyes are crucial in the fight against crime and it is important for anyone who notices criminal activities to report them immediately to the police,” says Hadebe.

Members of the community are urged to assist with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects by contacting Captain Peter Meyer on 082 319 9460 or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.