Mpumalanga - A man is expected to appear in the Skukuza Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for rhino poaching related crimes, Mpumalanga police said.
Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said two suspects were arrested after members of the SA Police Service and SANParks rangers arrested them in two separate incidents.
“Carlos Mathebula, 34, will appear at the Skukuza Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 10 June 2015 and Margaret Mthetwa, 41, will appear at the Pienaar Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 19 June 2015,” Naidoo said.
“Mathebula, a Mozambican national, was charged with possession of an illegal firearm, possession of illegal ammunition, and trespassing after a 458 hunting rifle with the serial number filed off and two 458 live rounds were found in his possession during his arrest.”
SANParks rangers spotted Mathebula in the Kruger National Park, he allegedly pointed the rifle at them in an attempt to escape, then he was subsequently shot at and injured.
Naidoo said Mathebula’s case was heard in absentia at the Skukuza Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday June 3, but because of the injuries he sustained during the pursuit and subsequent shooting the case was remanded.
Mthethwa was arrested in Zwelisha, Pienaar, where she was charged with possession of ammunition, possession of rhino poaching equipment and possession of cash not accounted for.
Naidoo said during her arrest, SAPS members found five 3.75mm rounds, an axe with blood stains, a pocket scale and a large sum of money unaccounted for.
ANA