Three Mozambican nationals arrested over suspected links to rhino poaching
The arrest took place close to Klerkskraal SAPS. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery and seizure of a .375 hunting rifle, ammunition, balaclavas, gloves and butcher's knives.
Swift police work resulted in the apprehension and arrest of three Mozambican nationals on suspicion of rhino poaching on Saturday morning, November 14, near Klerkskraal Dam.
The arrest took place near Klerkskraal Police Station, close to Klerkskraal Dam, along the N14, where the suspects’ gold Toyota RunX was intercepted. The trio, who are between the ages of 34 and 54, were travelling from Lichtenburg in the direction of Ventersdorp.
According to North West police spokesperson, Col. Adele Myburgh, the effective use of camera monitoring and vehicle-tracking capabilities, together with assistance from members of the Potchefstroom Flying Squad and Stilfontein K9 Unit, contributed to the arrest.
“A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery and seizure of a .375 hunting rifle, ammunition, balaclavas, gloves and butcher’s knives,” Myburgh added.
The trio face charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as conspiracy to commit a crime, after allegedly failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items found in their possession.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 16.
“The successful interception and arrest of these suspects demonstrate the value of collaboration, intelligence sharing and the effective use of technology in the fight against crime. The Eyes and Ears initiative continues to strengthen our collective efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.”
The Eyes and Ears (E2) initiative is a public-private crime-fighting partnership involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and the Private Security Industry (PSI). It facilitates the sharing of information and resources to enhance crime prevention, detection and law enforcement operations.
“We are particularly encouraged that, through this partnership, we were able to intercept individuals suspected of being involved in rhino poaching before they could potentially execute their plans,” said North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams.
