Africa-Press – South-Africa. Three men were caught red-handed after allegedly killing four rhinos in the Kruger National Park.
Police said the suspected poachers, who were arrested on Friday after a tourist alerted authorities, were also found to be in the country illegally.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala added the tourist heard gunshots and informed field rangers who swiftly responded and found the carcasses of four rhinos.
“Three carcasses were already dehorned,” Mohlala said.
3 rhino poachers caught in Kruger National Park jailed after pleading guilty
“It is alleged that four armed poachers sneaked into the park. Later, gunshots were heard by a tourist who was visiting that day. Information was escalated to field rangers. A helicopter was immediately dispatched to the scene where the sound was heard.
“Three men were spotted and captured in possession of a hunting rifle, a silencer, three knives, four mobile phones and three bags. Four rhino carcasses and three rhino horns were found near the suspects. The fourth animal had not been dehorned.”
The suspects were handed over to the Skouzas police.
It was later discovered the suspects were from Mozambique.
“As the investigation continues, we cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects,” said Mohlala.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of contravening the Immigration Act, possessing an unlicenced firearm with ammunition, poaching, and illegally entering the park.
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