Three suspected rhino poachers have been arrested in Boshof, in the Free State, after two white rhinos were found shot dead on a farm, with two suspects allegedly caught in the process of removing their horns.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday, following a police operation involving farm security, local farmers and law enforcement officers.
Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said police received information about suspected rhino poaching at a farm in the Boshof policing precinct at approximately 3.21pm.
Two suspects allegedly caught dehorning rhinos
Thabana said farm security discovered the two white rhinos shot dead and found two suspects allegedly in the process of removing their horns.
Police recovered the two horns removed from one of the rhinos.
“The suspects were, however, intercepted by security before they could dehorn the second rhinoceros,” she said.
One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the second allegedly attempted to flee.
“The second suspect attempted to flee the scene but was also traced and arrested through the assistance of local farmers,” Thabana said.
Play Video
Rifle, ammunition and tools seized
Police confiscated a rifle, six live rounds of ammunition, a handsaw and knives. The items were booked in as evidence.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a third suspect, aged 46, who was allegedly acting as the driver, had fled to Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where he was traced and apprehended.
The Isuzu bakkie in which the third suspect was travelling was also seized and booked in as evidence.
Suspects expected in court
Thabana said the three are expected to appear in the Boshof Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges relating to rhino poaching.
Lejweleputswa District Commissioner Major-General Tholie Afonso commended the collaboration between the Provincial and Bultfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species units, Boshof Rural Safety, the provincial Local Criminal Record Centre task team, the farming community and private security companies.
“The SAPS reaffirms its commitment to fight against illegal hunting of endangered species through integrated operations,” Afonso said.
