LIMPOPO – Four suspects have been arrested following an operation in the Vhembe District linked to an alleged shooting involving Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers and suspected poaching activities.

Background to the arrests

The latest arrests follow an incident first reported by Letaba Herald, in which an 18-year-old suspect was arrested after an alleged exchange of gunfire between rangers and suspected poachers at Xipala Block.

Police said an attempted murder case was opened at Saselamani Police Station following the incident.

Police recover rifle and suspected game meat

In the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, members of the Saselamani Detectives Unit, Vhembe District Tracing Team and Musina Local Criminal Record Centre conducted an operation at Nkotswi and Bennde villages under the Makuya policing area.

Three men, aged between 21 and 30, were arrested on charges including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal hunting and poaching of game.

A 36-year-old Zimbabwean woman was also arrested after police allegedly found her in possession of suspected game meat believed to be buffalo meat, valued at about R2 000. Police said a charge relating to contravention of the Immigration Act was also added.

An unlicensed hunting rifle, which police suspect was used in the alleged offences, was also seized.

The four suspects appeared in the Makuya Periodical Court on Thursday, November 12, facing charges including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of suspected game meat, contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal hunting and poaching of game.