Limpopo police today arrested nine suspected rhino poachers at a private game farm in Lephalale.
“The unnamed suspects from Mozambique and Zimbabwe were arrested while burning a field on the farm to lure the rhinos to a spot where they would then kill and de-horn them,” the Limpopo SAP said in a statement today, 10 March 2013.
Police have confiscated a camera allegedly used by the suspects to take pictures of the game farm, rhinos on the farm and the movement of the owners as well as a grinder, generator and two vehicles – a small private vehicle and a small truck with Gauteng number plates.
“The suspects have been linked to another possible rhino poaching case in which a calf was killed the same vicinity two months ago. The same modus operandi of burning a field was used,” police said.
All suspects are in custody and will appear before the Lephalale Magistrate Court soon, facing charges of Illegal hunting of protected game. Police investigations are at an advance stage to determine the names and ages of all suspects.
Meanwhile two other suspected rhino poachers Steve Mbombi, 21, and Roy Baloyi, 27, from Mozambique were arrested on 1 March in the Kruger National Park. During the arrest police confiscated a 458 hunting rifle and an axe. They appeared in court on the same day and their case was postponed to 15 March.. Both suspects are still in custody and police investigations are continuing.
News source: SAnews.gov.za
(edited)
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