During a Crime Intelligence Operation in the evening of Tuesday 14 January 2019, members of Provincial Organised Crime intercepted four suspects, who were allegedly in the process of poaching rhinos at a Game Lodge in Boitekong, near Rustenburg.
Upon realizing that they were cornered, three of the suspects disappeared into thick bushes, but police managed to arrest a 33 year old suspect, who was the driver of the vehicle, a VW Polo.
Upon further investigation, the suspect was identified as being a police Constable. Amukelani Nkuna appeared before the Thlabane Magistrates’ Court on 16 January 2020, for the alleged conspiracy to Commit Rhino Poaching. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Friday, 24 January 2020.
Furthermore the suspects are possibly linked to more cases of rhino poaching reported in Pilanesberg and more arrests is eminent.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the team for the arrest. He said that it is disappointing when a police member is arrested for the alleged conspiracy to commit a crime, but that unlawful and corrupt conduct will not be tolerated.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
