Two SA men among six in courts on poaching charges

Thomas Ngomane was arrested on June 11

PRETORIA: Six suspected rhino poachers have appeared in courts in Limpopo and Mpumalanga this week, police said yesterday.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said three Mozambican suspects appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on Wednesday.

“Isaac Alfred Ndlovu, 27, Lawrence Julio Ndlovu, 27, and Armenco Ndlovu, 24, were arrested on June 11 in the Satara area of the Kruger National Park.

“They allegedly had a CZ 550 rifle, a silencer, an axe and nine .458 rounds in their possession.”

Naidoo said the three were arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and trespassing. Their case was postponed to July 1 for legal aid.

Meanwhile, on Monday, a Mozambican national and a South African appeared in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo.

“Angelo Mtimba, 32, a Mozambican national, and David Kubaya, 30, a South African, were arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm after a .416-calibre hunting rifle and a .458 silencer were allegedly found in their possession on June 11,” Naidoo said.

Another suspect, Thomas Ngomane, 38, a South African, was also arrested on June 11 in Acornhoek after a .38 Special revolver with no serial number, two .38 rounds and an axe were found at his home. He was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Naidoo said all three suspects were granted bail on Monday.

“Kubaya was granted bail of R20 000, Mtimba was granted bail of R10 000 and Ngomane was granted bail of R2 000. Both cases are still under investigation.”

All three suspects will reappear at the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on August 10. – ANA