Mpumalanga: Most wanted rhino poaching suspect arrested again

One of the most wanted suspect in rhino poaching related cases in Mpumalanga, Odis Maluleke, who is also evading court cases against him was rearrested at Kabokweni on Saturday, 6 May 2023 after whistleblowers informed police on his whereabouts.

The 47-year-old was initially arrested together with three of his accomplices on 20 July 2015. The ages of the other three South African male suspects were 30, 35 and 49 at the time.

MOST WANTED RHINO POACHING SUSPECT ARRESTED 

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said when the suspects were cornered, they were trying to enter the Kruger National Park through the Skukuza Kruger Gate and their car was searched. During the search, security guards discovered a hunting rifle, 12 live rounds of ammunition as well as an axe inside their vehicle.

Mohlala said police at Skukuza Station were immediately informed about the incident and they attended the scene where the four were arrested as well as charged accordingly. Maluleke was granted bail of R20 000 but failed to return to court while his accomplices attended court.  A warrant for his arrest was then issued.

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ALLEGED POCHER FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT 

In 2019, police as well as SANParks officials received information about poaching. A follow up was made and on 15 February 2019 four suspects were arrested, amongst them was Maluleke. The ages of the other three South African males arrested with Maluleke were 31, 39 and 50 by then. The three were not the ones that were apprehended with Maluleke in 2015. During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of two rhino horns, a hunting rifle, five live ammunition, as well as a knife. All four suspects were arrested and charged accordingly.

During their last court appearances, the three other South African suspects were granted R3000 bail each while initially Maluleke was not granted bail for the second time but the amount for his bail was R30 000.

The rhino poaching suspect was expected to show up in court but he absconded again. Another warrant for his arrest was issued and the police were in pursuit for him but fortunately on the said Saturday he was captured again.

“Maluleke appeared at the Mhala Regional Court on Monday, 8 May where his case was postponed to 18 May 2023 for further investigation. He remains in custody until his appearance in the Skukuza Regional Court,” Mohlala added.

Meanwhile the cases against other suspects that were arrested with Maluleke are still proceeding in court except the 50-year-old male suspect who passed away on 25 January 2021.

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This article was originally published by Nokwanda Ncwane.