Media Statement from Limpopo Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

17 April 2013 

POLOKWANE: - Five rhino poachers arrested for the alleged killing of a rhino and wounding another appeared briefly at Mokonpane Magistrate today.

The suspects Davide Rebefe (27), Bethuel Rethlangu (24), John Ratafu (45), Samson Simunu (38) and Jafta Setlengu (35) were remanded in custody pending their next appearance on the 29 April 2013.  The sixth suspect has been put under police protection.

The group was arrested on Sunday, after allegedly killing of a rhino and wounding another in Naboomspruit (Mookgopong) in early April this year. Two AK - 47 rifles and R46 000.00 cash was recovered.

The rhinos were allegedly shot at Tamboti Floodland Farm in Naboomspruit on 03 April 2013, one was killed and both horns dehorned while the other rhino survived the attack and is recuperating from two bullet wounds. 

The killed rhino was discovered on Saturday and intensive police investigations led them to the arrest of the six suspects in Noboomspruit and Soshanguve.  Police investigations continue.       

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Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi at 082 373 2408