On Monday, 26 March 2018, three suspects aged 37, 44 and 46 are expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, conspiracy to commit crime unknown to prosecutor and contravention of Section 57(1) read with Section 101(1) of National Environmental Management: BioDiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004); undertaking restricted activities with regard to protected species and specimen without permit.
The suspects’ court appearance follows their apprehension by Vryburg K9 Unit in an operation that was conducted on Friday, 22 March 2018, along Vryburg-Schweizer-Reneke road.
According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that the K9 Unit and Tracking Team received information about the suspects who were driving from Gauteng to Morokweng. The police followed up the information and eventually stopped the suspects’ car with Gauteng Province registration numbers.
During the search, the police discovered and confiscated 10 live rounds of ammunition, a hunting rifle, silencer, an axe, and a hunting knife as well as two vehicles; Nissan Hardbody and Mazda Drifter.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane congratulated Vryburg K9 Unit and Tracking Team for their quick response that led to the apprehension of the suspects. She said that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that drastic action is taken against those who pose danger to wildlife and endangered species.
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