Another police officer, a 35 year old Sergeant, found himself together with his five accomplices aged between 27 and 58, on the wrong side of the law as a result, they were brought to book. This happens just after the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma vowed that no corrupt element will be kept within the SAPS.
The arrest came after rangers in the Kruger National Park apprehended four men who were found during the early hours of yesterday, 21 May 2018, in possession of a .303 hunting rifle, ammunition and an axe. The men then told the rangers that they were waiting for someone to collect them. After a while, their transport arrived with two occupants and were also cornered. During a probe, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle is a police official stationed at the Lebombo Port of Entry, near Komatipoort.
The cop, together with his crew were arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, whilst the four were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as trespassing. The suspects are due to appear at the Bushbuckridge Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, 23 May 2018.
In a separate incident, two alleged poachers, David Kubhayi aged 27 and Samson Zwane 22, have appeared at the Skukuza Periodical Court yesterday, 21 May 2018, after they were found in possession of a heavy calibre hunting rifle and other poaching equipment.
The arrest occurred after rangers at the park were doing their daily routine when they spotted the duo and approached them. A shootout ensued between the rangers and the suspects which led to the suspects being wounded in the process. Two rhino horns, a .375 hunting rifle with a filed off serial number, ammunition and a knife were seized. Both suspects were rushed to the hospital and placed under police guard.
The villains appeared in court today in absentia and the case was postponed to 29 May 2018, for further investigation.
General Zuma commends the integrated law enforcers for effecting these arrests without any fear, favour or prejudice and seizing the horns as well as the firearms. General Zuma also mentioned that the departmental investigation against the arrested member is underway.
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