THREE men were arrested in an intelligence-driven operation in Hluhluwe on Friday night. According to Lt Col Katlego Mogale SAPS members charged with combating the poaching of rhinos in the country dealt another telling blow to the criminal element.

The news comes after six white rhino were killed in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on Sunday last week. It’s unclear if the men were involved in the killing.

“The team were acting on information received when they spotted a white Toyota double cab in the Mgwanwini area. The police stopped and searched it and they found a high calibre hunting rifle, a silencer, ammunition and an axe. The 44-year-old driver and his two passengers, 24 and 28 years of age, were arrested.

“All three suspects will appear in the Hluhluwe Magistrate’s court on Monday on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The South African Police Service has prioritised the killing and poaching of rhinos and the team is commended on the arrest of these suspects,” he said.

Nationally more than 6 000 rhinos have been shot and butchered for their horns over the last 10 years in SA.

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