Excellent collaboration between police and security officers from a private game reserve resulted in the swift arrest of two suspects, as well as the confiscation of poaching equipment early on Friday morning 7 July.
According to Col Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, it is alleged that at about 06:00, Port Alfred K9 members and the security officials stopped a vehicle on the R67 at Koonaprivier between Makhanda and Fort Beaufort.
“The vehicle was searched and a 375 calibre rifle and live rounds of ammunition, as well as equipment were found hidden in various places inside the vehicle. The two suspects, aged between 30-40 years old from Tembisa in Gauteng, were detained on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” Naidu said.
They are expected to appear in the Fort Beaufort Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10 July.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Maj Gen Zolani Xawuka welcomed the arrests and indicated that rhino poaching poses a significant threat to the already vulnerable species, therefore it’s preservation must be protected, and the suspects apprehended.
“Illegal rhino poaching is a criminal offence hence the consequences of engaging in poaching activities will be severe. We will not tolerate the continued exploitation of our wildlife as we work closely with wildlife conservation to bring perpetrators to book.”
