The alertness of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members with the assistance of Hoedspruit Farm Watch, Crime Intelligence, National Security and C-Dass resulted in the arrest of two armed suspected rhino poachers aged 33 and 42 on the road between Tzaneen and Hoedspruit on 30 March 2023.
Members of the Hawks were alerted about a vehicle with two occupants that was allegedly enroute to Gravelotte to poach Rhinos and immediately responded.
The suspicious vehicle with two occupants was spotted on the R521 road and it was stopped. Upon searching the vehicle, an unlicensed 308 hunting rifle as well as 14 ammunition wrapped in a plastic bag were found hidden in the compartment of the engine and they were seized.
Both suspects were placed under arrest and they are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s court on Monday, 04 April 2023 for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.