Five alleged rhino poachers arrested at Phinda Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

On 9 July 2014 during the day, a joint operation by Durban Organised Crime Unit, Nyathi Anti-Poaching and Special Task Force were patrolling around Hluhluwe when they received information about a group of people who were suspected to be poaching at Phinda Game reserve.

The members started to intensify their patrols and they spotted five suspects inside the Game reserve.

When the officers approached the suspects, it is alleged that the suspects fired shots towards the members and the members retaliated and one suspect was wounded.

All five suspects were arrested and they were found in possession of an unlicensed hunting rifle with three live rounds, a silencer and an axe.

All arrested suspects aged between 17 and 38 years will appear in the Hluhluwe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 July 2014 facing charges of illegal hunting, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the members for the good work. “Police will work tirelessly to fight and combat illegal hunting including rhino poaching,” she said.

Also view:

Crime as a Threat to Road Safety in South Africa