Suspects nabbed after rhino deaths

Three suspected poachers were arrested just hours after two black rhinos were found dead in the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, situated between Makhanda (Grahamstown) and King William’s Town.

Officials suspect the rhinos were shot dead some time between Saturday night and Monday morning.

One was found in the river – with its horns attached – while the other, with both horns removed, was found nearby on the river bank on the reserve.

By Monday afternoon, three suspects had been arrested in East London following a tip-off.

White rhinos are classified as “near threatened” while black rhinos are still seen as “critically endangered”.

Police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said members of the Gonubie police and East London K9 unit intercepted a white Kia, fitted with Gauteng registration plates, on the Schafli road.

She said the vehicle was seized, together with several high-powered firearm rounds, a panga, torches, a hunting knife, pliers and a rifle bag.

Asked if these men were linked to the poaching that occurred hours earlier, Soci said detectives were still trying to link the men to the incident.

Officials confirmed that blood was found on the panga – which has been sent for testing to see if it is a match to the dead, dehorned rhino.

“Our team is working around the clock and they are in the process of comparing evidence gathered on the poaching scene and items found in the car,” Soci said.

“Only once the reports are back from the laboratory will we be able to know if they are linked to the poaching.”

No rifle was found. Officials suspect that the horn and rifle could either have been hidden, for collection later, or possibly placed in another getaway car used by other members of the group.

The dead rhinos were found by a ranger on a routine patrol.

“Bullet heads were recovered on both animals, confirming they were shot,” Soci said.

Two other rhinos were killed on the reserve in 2018, one in July and one in August.