Polokwane - Four men alleged to have been on their way to poach rhino in the Timbavati area in Limpopo have been arrested, police said on Friday.
The group was stopped on Thursday night by a security guard who realised that something was amiss, said Colonel Ronel Otto.
“A security guard at the Eastgate checkpoint requested to search a white Volvo with two occupants, but they had several excuses and reasons why the vehicle could not be searched,” Otto said.
“The guard requested reinforcements and a passing game ranger also assisted.”
The vehicle was searched and when the boot was opened, two men were found hiding inside.
The police were called in.
“A further search of the vehicle revealed a 3.75 hunting rifle with silencer, ten live rounds, hunting knives and an axe,” said Otto.
The men were arrested and would appear in the Hoedpsruit Magistrate's Court on Monday.
They face charges of conspiracy to poach rhino, as well as unlawful possession of a fire-arm and ammunition.
On Tuesday, police arrested four other men who they believed were conspiring to poach rhino on a farm in Lephalale.
They were tracked by rangers but fled when they realised they were being followed. They were later arrested.
An axe, hunting knives, a silencer, pliers, and screwdrivers were confiscated, Otto said.
Sapa