A suspected rhino poacher, arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, is expected to apply for bail in the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Elias Clifford Mashigo, 50, was found in possession of a rifle, a silencer, ammunition used to kill rhinos and elephants and an axe.
Lieutenant Colonel Pelonomi Makau said Mashigo was arrested in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke after police acted on a tip-off. He was nabbed while on his way to Bloemhof.
Mashigo’s vehicle was spotted in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke. He was questioned and searched at Schweizer-Reneke Police Station. The weapon and ammunition were found hidden inside Mashigo’s vehicle and he was arrested.
“Preliminary investigation has shown that the suspect has an outstanding case of bribery and corruption in Honeydew, Gauteng province. The police cannot rule out a likelihood that the suspect was planning to poach rhinos in the North West,” Makau said.
On September 30 Mashigo of Tembisa, Johannesburg, was remanded in custody until October 6.
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