| Three suspected poachers arrested with firearms and a rhino horn | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/07/27 |
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Media Statement
DURBAN - In the early hours of Saturday Morning, 26 July 2025, police in KwaZulu-Natal working together with private security, arrested three suspected rhino poachers aged between 34 and 50 years in Paulpietersburg who were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn. It is reported that in the early hours of Friday morning, the three suspects, who were wearing face concealing masks, entered a game reserve, and accosted two security guards, tied them up and robbed them of a shotgun, an R5 assault rifle, as well as their cellphones. They then proceeded to shoot a rhino and removed its horn. Whilst busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by the sound of an alarm which had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun next to the rhino carcass.
Police officers were alerted of the incident, and they responded swiftly. Upon their arrival at the scene, the suspects had already fled the game reserve. Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush. In their possession was an R5 rifle, a 303 rifle, and a rhino horn. The vehicle in which they were traveling in was was sized by the police. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, rhino poaching, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They will appear at the Vryheid Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 July 2025.
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