Pretoria - Three suspected rhino poachers appeared in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court, on Monday, after being arrested for the possession of unlicensed fire arms, the police said in a statement.
Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said “Angelo Mtimba (32) a Mozambican national together with David Kubaya (30) a South African and Thomas Ngomane (38) another South African were arrested in two separate cases last week in Acornhoek. All three suspects were arrested by the South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit and the Mpumalanga Tracking Team.”
Naidoo said when Mtimba and Kubaya were arrested they allegedly had a 416 calibre Hunting Rifle and a 458 silencer in their possession.
“They were charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. Ngomane was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition after a 38 Special Revolver with no serial number, two 38 rounds, a 38 cartridge and an axe were found at his place of residents.”
Naidoo stated that all three suspects appeared at the Acornhoek Magistrate Court, and have been remanded in custody until 22 June 2015 when they are expected to reappear in court for a formal bail application, and a concerted effort would be made by the prosecution team to oppose bail in this regard.
Meanwhile in another incident three other suspects appeared in the White River Magistrate Court, Mpumalanga, on Friday 12 June 2015, said Naidoo.
“A Mozambican nationals Isaac Alfred Ndlovu (27), Lawrence Julio Ndlovu (27) and Armenco Ndlovu (24) were arrested by South African National Parks Rangers on Thursday 11 June 2015 in the Satara area of the Kruger National Park.”
Naidoo stated that the suspects allegedly had a CZ 550 Rifle, a silencer, an axe and nine 458 Rounds with them.
“They were charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and trespassing.”
They too have been remanded in custody and are expected to reappear in court on 24 June 2015, for a formal bail application, and the prosecution team will make a concerted effort to oppose bail.
ANA