Suspected poachers stay in jail

2011-07-04 20:03

Johannesburg - The trial of three men suspected of poaching rhino in the Kruger National Park was postponed by the White River Magistrate's Court, in Mpumalanga, on Monday, police said.

Captain Leonard Hlathi said the case against Silvester Ngobeni, 23, Jose Showbell, 26, and Felix Kunguma, 47, was postponed until July 6.

They would remain in custody.

The three were arrested on Thursday in an operation conducted by park rangers, the environmental crime investigation unit and the SA National Defence Force in Nwanetsi, in the Kruger National Park.

They were allegedly found in possession of a hunting rifle, an AK-47 assault rifle, two axes and a hand grenade.

Hlathi said they faced charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, trespassing, possession of explosives, and were regarded as illegal immigrants.

- SAPA