Four held for rhino poaching in Kruger

A freshly cut set of rhino horns along with a hunting rifle and ammunition were seized from four men – including a SANParks employee – at the Kruger National Park at the weekend.

The four are aged between 23 and 47. SANParks officials had received information about the four, who were reportedly about to leave the park‚ travelling in two vehicles.

Officials pounced on them‚ with the assistance of a SANParks chopper, which landed on the road to block the fleeing vehicles‚ police said.

The four will appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of illegal hunting‚ possession of a hunting rifle and ammunition without a licence, and trespassing.

Meanwhile‚ another two men‚ aged 36 and 31‚ will appear at the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on Monday‚ facing charges of possession of a firearm as well as ammunition without a licence.

Their appearance stems from their arrest at the weekend during a routine police stop and search operation. They were found in possession of a revolver‚ a toy pistol and ammunition.