Suspected Poacher Drowns in Kruger, as 3 in Eastern Cape Denied Bail
A suspected poacher was caught in Kruger National Park on Wednesday while another drowned trying to escape, while three others caught in Grahamstown last week who were apparently involved in poaching across South Africa were denied bail on Wednesday. One suspected poacher was shot and apprehended by the Kruger’s protection unit while the other drowned by trying to flee across […]
A suspected poacher was caught in Kruger National Park on Wednesday while another drowned trying to escape, while three others caught in Grahamstown last week who were apparently involved in poaching across South Africa were denied bail on Wednesday.
One suspected poacher was shot and apprehended by the Kruger’s protection unit while the other drowned by trying to flee across the Nsikazi River, according to news reports.
SAPS said in a statement on Monday that it made a major breakthrough when it arrested the three men during Operation Full Moon, “which mainly focused on curbing rhino poaching incidents” in the Eastern Cape. The men were apparently connected to 10 poaching incidents in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
Two of the men were originally from Zimbabwe, according to one news report.
The following items were recovered during the arrest;
• One (1) 72 cm rhino horn which had been freshly harvested, estimated at approximately R1.2 million;
• One darting rifle;
• Saws and knives
• Drugs used to dart animals;
• Various darts and percussion caps;
• A variety of camping gear and rations;
• Several cellphones;
• Two rental vehicles rented by the suspects were seized.
The suspects were linked to the recent poaching of a rhino at Buckland’s Private Game Reserve. Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zamuthango Mki, thanked all the members and officials deployed at the operation.
The three suspects appeared briefly in the Grahamstown Magistrates Court today on Monday. On Wednesday they were denied bail and remanded in custody until 22 July pending further investigation.