Rhino poaching: 5 arrested in KZN

2010-10-04 18:33

Johannesburg - Five people believed to be rhino poachers were arrested in Ophathe Game Reserve near Ulundi, Ezemvelo Wildlife said on Monday.

"The arrests were the result of months of patient investigation by a team of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff and SAPS members," said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife chief operating officer Bandile Mkhize in a statement.

He said they were arrested over the weekend.

They came from Mahlabathini, Hlophenkulu and eZihlabeni.

Mkhize said the investigating team also recovered six firearms - a licensed 9mm pistol, two shot guns, one of which was licensed, a .303 rifle fitted with a telescopic sight and two unlicensed .22 rifles.

The .303 rifle was allegedly used during the crime and would be sent for ballistic testing, said Mkhize.

Ophathe Game Reserve had been plagued by rhino poaching with three rhinos killed and their horns removed in the past ten days.

Mkhize said an adult female rhino was found dead by rangers on September 29 and another two rhinos were discovered by Ezemvelo KZN field rangers on September 30.

“These recent arrests are a major breakthrough in the fight against rhino poaching and have given our staff a much needed boost.”

He said the recent poaching of rhinos in the game reserve had bought the number of poached rhinos to 17 in KwaZulu-Natal this year.

Mkhize said the net was closing on rhino poachers who continue to poach animals.

“We have also been greatly encouraged by the fantastic support of the public in raising funds for rhino conservation,” he said.

The five men would appear in the Ulundi Magistrate's Court soon.

- SAPA