The Rhino 9 team continue to make significant strides in reducing the number of crime incidents related to endangered species and also enhancing the detection rate of those that commit these heinous crimes. This after 28 suspects were arrested in the past few days and remains of known endangered species were recovered, as well as a vehicle and an unlicensed firearm.
The 28 suspects were nabbed during intelligence driven operations in which 16 were apprehended in KwaZulu-Natal, eight in Mpumalanga and in Limpopo four were detained. During the arrests the team seized a pangolin, two elephant tusks, game meat, a vehicle and an unlicensed firearm (rifle) and ammunition as well as other items that could be used for the killing of wild animals.
The Rhino 9 team comprises of various government departments including members from various disciplines of the South African Police Service, Customs and Excise, the South African National Defence Force, Ezemvelo and SANParks Game Rangers.
All suspects have appeared before the various courts in the named provinces and their cases postponed for further investigations while they remain in custody. They face charges relating to immigration transgressions, possession of suspected stolen property, unlawful possession of firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of dangerous weapon/s, trespassing, hunting a wild animal without a permit, possession of game meat and possession of endangered species.
The arrest of these suspects should serve as warning and deterrent to other potential poachers that their chances of success in poaching are continuously being reduced with the growing help from the communities. Poachers are warned that over and above facing criminal prosecution, the law will come after their ill-gotten gains in terms of the POCA (Prevention of Organized Crime Act 121/1998).
South Africa Today – South Africa News
