Two alleged rhino poachers made a brief appearance in court on 22 September – World Rhino Day – after being nabbed red-handed in possession of rhino horns in Kruger National Park a day earlier.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
Appearing at the Skukuza Regional Court, the two will remain in police custody while their case is postponed until 28 September.
The two were found in possession of two rhino horns, a hunting rifle, six rounds of live ammunition and an axe among other items.
The two were apprehended after a field ranger in the park received information about individuals who entered the park illegally and mobilised law enforcement agencies accordingly, according to a SAPS statement.
A helicopter from the Mission Area Manager was dispatched, which spotted the suspects and communicated their location to officers on the ground.
Picture: SAPS
The two suspects, originally from Mozambique, were also charged for contravening the country’s immigration act.
‘This should send a clear message to others who might consider causing injuries to the country’s pride in our National Parks,’ commented the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela.
‘The law will have to take its course against the suspects and we trust that the team of investigators working with the Prosecution team will do their best to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted without fear or favour,’ said the General.
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