Six alleged poachers found with dead warthogs and porcupines arrested in Howick

Police seized six dogs from the alleged poachers arrested in the Karkloof area in Howick on Sunday morning.

Alleged poachers found in possession of dead warthogs and porcupines in Howick. Picture: Magma Security and Investigations.

Published May 8, 2022

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DURBAN - Magma Security and Investigations apprehended six suspects early on Sunday morning while patrolling in the Karkloof area in Howick after the vehicle they were travelling in was spotted on a client’s property.

Shaheen Suleiman, the owner of Magma Security, said the vehicle was spotted by patrollers just after 2am. Suleiman said that when officers stopped the vehicle, there were six occupants and six dogs inside it.

He said they were found with two warthogs and six porcupines.

“Knives were found in their possession,” he said.

He said the suspects were handed over to Howick SAPS.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that the six suspects, who are aged between 17 and 44, were found in possession of warthogs and porcupines.

“A total of six dogs were seized from the suspects. The vehicle used was also seized for further investigation,” said Gwala.

Gwala said the suspects would appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, The Mercury’s sister publication, The Independent on Saturday, reported that wildlife authorities cannot explain the dramatic increase in rhino poaching this year in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the report, a total of 97 rhinos were poached in Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves last year, while between January 1 and March 25 this year, 61 have already been killed.

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