Four people were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga in connection with rhino poaching and a rhino horn was seized, the police said on Tuesday.
Spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale, said that members of the rhino project team and the Nelspruit K9 Unit arrested four people between Monday and Sunday.
“In an intelligence-driven operation, the members held observation on an identified vehicle spotted in Hluhluwe. As the vehicle made its way towards Nelspruit, members of the K9 Unit were activated and a high-speed chase ensued. Two suspects were arrested and a search of the vehicle revealed a rhino horn, which was seized,” Mogale said.
“Further information was followed up which led the investigators to a homestead in Ntambanana. Upon searching the premises, two high calibre rifles with serial numbers filed off were recovered, as well as a dagger and ammunition. Two further suspects were arrested, one of which has been preliminary linked to another case of rhino poaching.”
She said that the four are expected to appear in court soon. Mogale said that the police prioritised the killing and poaching of rhinos.