Alleged poachers caught red-handed

A PARTNERSHIP between SA National Parks (SANParks) officials, rangers and protection services, along with police officers, led to the arrest of four alleged rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) at the weekend.

Among them was a SANParks employee.

SANParks officials received information about four suspects reportedly about to exit the park travelling in two vehicles, said police spokesperson Mtsholi Bhembe.

The officials pounced on them, with the assistance of a SANParks helicopter that had to land on the road to block the fleeing men’s vehicles.

Items found in their possession included a freshly cut set of rhino horns, a hunting rifle and ammunition. They were arrested with all the exhibits – including the two vehicles – being confiscated.

The suspects, aged between 23 and 47, were duet to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today on charges including illegal hunting, possession of a hunting rifle and ammunition without a licence, and trespassing, Bhembe said. |