Media Statement from Limpopo Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

29 May 2014

POLOKWANE - Information from Crime Intelligence has led to the arrest of five suspected rhino poachers at Gravelotte on Wednesday evening.

The police received a tip-off from their Crime Intelligence counterparts that five occupants in a white VW Polo with Mpumalanga registration number were on their way to poach a rhino at a private game farm in Letsitele. Upon receiving the information, a mini road block was conducted. As the identified vehicle approached the roadblock, the vehicle was stopped. Upon searching the vehicle police found a .375 Sako hunting rifle, a silencer, a butcher knife, an axe and eight rounds of live ammunition.

The suspects, aged between 26 and 38, were arrested on the spot and they will appear before the Phalaborwa Magistrates' Court on Friday 30 May 2014, facing charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

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Media Enquiries:

Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Mobile: 082 373 2408