Two South African Police Service (SAPS) constables and four other men are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon in connection with rhino poaching and other related cases, Mpumalanga police said on Sunday.
This followed events on Saturday, when information was received about four people who were going to poach rhino at the Ngodwana Kangaroo Game Reserve, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said.
A crime intelligence-driven operation was launched and members of crime intelligence in the Pienaar policing cluster co-ordinated and followed up the information provided. They went to the Ngodwana area, where two police officers stationed at the Masoyi detectives unit were spotted arriving at the game reserve driving a state-owned vehicle.
“Surveillance was conducted and the two detectives were seen picking up the four individuals who were carrying some bags and plastic bags. Immediately after the state vehicle was in motion it was chased until within approximately 5km from Mbombela Stadium when the driver finally decided to stop,” Hlathi said.
During the search of the vehicle, police officers who had been called by crime intelligence for assistance discovered two freshly cut rhino horns as well as a hunting rifle loaded with four live rounds.
All six men, including the two detectives aged 19 and 42, were arrested. The suspects were expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges related to rhino poaching and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“An internal investigation regarding the unethical conduct of the two members is underway. An intensive investigation is also going to be conducted to ascertain whether the suspects are not involved in other criminal activities. Police members are forewarned not to drag the name of the South African Police Service into disrepute by engaging themselves in criminal acts,” Hlathi said.
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