Two farmers from KwaZulu-Natal, a game ranger and a former policeman are among the latest suspects arrested in connection with the nationwide rhino horn poaching spree.
It is believed that the farmers and ranger were arrested after a poaching attempt at the Mkhuze Falls private game reserve in northern KZN at the weekend.
Jabulani Ngubane, rhino security co-ordinator for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, said he had been informed of the latest arrests near Mkhuze but did not have details.
SAPS spokesman Colonel Vish Naidoo said he was still seeking more information.
Of the more than 80 rhino poached countrywide this year, at least 11 were poached in KZN. Six were poached in the Ndumo, Mkhuze and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi provincial parks, while the others were killed at private reserves in KZN.
The Ezemvelo website does not identify the private reserves involved, but according to the Facebook group Outraged South Africans Against Poaching, there have also been recent attacks at Chicks Game Lodge near Hluhluwe, Mpofini lodge near Vryheid and Thanda game reserve near Hluhluwe.
Meanwhile, former policeman Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalunga has been arrested by police in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, for allegedly trying to sell rhino horns poached from the Kruger National Park.
Nyalunga was arrested on Friday following the arrest of four SANParks staff based in Kruger last week. - The Mercury