Five wanted rhino poachers arrested by SAPS
The suspects were linked to rhino poaching cases through forensic and ballistic analysis.
A joint operation by various police units in the province has led to the arrest of five suspects linked to rhino poaching. Two hunting rifles were also seized as evidence.
The suspects, aged between 29 and 52, appeared in the Ngwelezane Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They have been linked to cases in Ntambanana and Esikhaleni (KZN) in 2018, where rhinos were killed and de-horned.
“The suspects were remanded into custody until October 11 pending bail application,” said SAPS KZN spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane.
Lt-Col Zwane added the Provincial Stock Theft Unit and Endangered Species Project Team, in conjunction with teams from Crime Intelligence and Tactical Response were following up on intelligence received regarding the sighting of rhino poaching suspects in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
The police officers were also armed with warrants of arrest for the men, after they were linked to rhino poaching through forensic and ballistic analysis.
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