KZN cops arrest three suspected poachers found with rhino horn and two unlicensed rifles

KZN police confiscated two unlicensed firearms and a rhino horn from three suspected poachers.

Supplied/SAPS

Three suspected poachers were arrested in Paulpietersburg on Saturday.They allegedly accosted and tied up security guards and robbed them of a shotgun.They are expected to appear in court on charges of armed robbery,rhino poaching,and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested three suspected poachers who were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn in Paulpietersburg on Saturday.

It’s alleged that the men,aged between 34 and 50,entered a game reserve and stormed up to two security guards while wearing face masks.

READ | Kruger Park rhino poacher sentenced to 20 years in prison 

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They tied up the guards and robbed them of a shotgun,an R5 assault rifle,as well as their cellphones in the early hours of Friday morning.

They then proceeded to shoot a rhino and remove its horn. They fled the scene,leaving behind the shotgun,next to the rhino carcass.

According to KZN police spokesperson,Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza,when they arrived at the scene,the suspects had already fled the game reserve.

“Police members,together with private security personnel,worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members,the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush,” he said.

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The suspects were found with an R5 rifle,a 303-calibre rifle,and a rhino horn.

Magwaza added that the vehicle in which they were traveling was also seized by the police.

KZN police confiscated two unlicensed firearms and a rhino horn from three suspected poachers.

Supplied/SAPS

The suspects were charged with armed robbery,and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

They are expected to appear at the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on Monday.