10 nabbed for poaching in two weeks

File picture: Tony Carnie/Independent Media

File picture: Tony Carnie/Independent Media

Published Feb 22, 2017

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Johannesburg – The South African Police Service on Wednesday said 10 suspected rhino poachers were arrested over a two week period during ongoing operations to prevent and combat wildlife-related crime in South Africa.

Spokesman Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the suspected rhino poachers were arrested in the Skukuza area of Mpumalanga and in the Pongola area, North of KwaZulu-Natal.

"Members from a police task team arrested 10 suspects between 13 and 19 February 2017 for offences ranging from the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition to possession of suspected stolen property," said Naidoo.

"The suspects, aged between 24 and 51 years, were arrested during operations in and around the Kruger National Park and in Pongola." Naidoo said that while effecting the arrests the team confiscated six rifles of various calibres, two silencers, two cell phones, axes and several rounds of ammunition.

"The suspects were charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, trespassing in a national park and possession of a dangerous weapon."

The 10 men will be appearing in various courts including the Skukuza and Insikazi Magistrates Court and facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm (rifle) and ammunition, trespassing, conspiracy to commit an offence and illegal hunting.

African News Agency

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