POLOKWANE – The case was postponed for further investigations and the men remain in police custody.
A number of suspects were arrested within days of the incident and further investigations by the police led to the arrest of the remaining suspects a few days later.
Of the poached rhinos, one was a cow and the others were bull calves. The cow was the mother to one of the bull calves.
A source revealed that the cow and her calf were dehorned, while the cow’s intestines and eyes were removed. The bull calf had its tail and parts of its skin cut out.
The third rhino was badly wounded and lived for a few days before it succumbed to its injuries.
Polokwane Municipal Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, said that the matter was still being investigated and recommended that the police be contacted on the matter as it is now outside the municipal scope.
“The municipality strongly condemns the killing of the rhinos, and security at the game reserve is being increased to keep this from happening again,” Mothapo said.
Col Ronel Otto confirmed that police investigations are continuing. The next court date has not been decided upon as yet.
