Big boost for anti-poaching efforts in SA

MEMBERS of the national joint operational and intelligence structure Rhino 9 team arrested 27 alleged wildlife poachers over the past week, the SAPS reports.

The Rhino 9 team continued to make significant strides in reducing the number of poaching incidents related to endangered species, and also enhancing the detection rate of those committing these crimes, said Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale.

“This after 27 suspects, including eight who were wanted for murder and attempted murder in the Plessislaer policing precinct (near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal), were arrested over the past week, and the remains of known endangered species were recovered.”

The suspects were arrested during intelligence-driven operations in Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Acornhoek in Mpumalanga, and Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

During the arrests the team seized a rhino horn, three firearm silencers, six unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and other items that could have been used for killing wild animals, Mogale said.

The team comprises various government departments, including members of various disciplines of the SAPS, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks), Customs and Excise, the SANDF, Ezemvelo and SA National Parks’ game rangers. | African News Agency (ANA)