Manhunt launched for poachers

Police have launched a search for suspects believed to be responsible for poaching a white rhino and removing its horns on a farm in Bulgerivier outside Lephalale on the weekend.
Provincial Police Corporate Communications Head, Motlafela Mojapelo indicated that the incident must have occurred between Friday and Sunday and was reported to Police on Monday. “The rhino was shot and de-horned. No arrests have been made yet,” Mojapelo said. Anyone with information can contact the nearest Police station. Investigations continue.
In an unrelated case two brothers Nicolas and Gideon van Deventer and their alleged accomplice Onward Muchagowa appeared in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court on Monday for a trial date to be determined. The outcome of the case was not confirmed at the time of going to print.
The trio were arrested outside Louis Trichardt in January and face a charge of unlawful possession of rhino horn. Police received information about a rhino horn to be sold and traced the vehicle in which the three were travelling. When they noticed the Police vehicle they allegedly threw the rhino horn from the vehicle’s window. Police reportedly forced their vehicle off the road and made the arrest. They might also be linked to various other cases across the country.

Story & photo: RC Myburgh
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