Major-General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, commended the team for the breakthrough.Meanwhile, earlier this week, a 59-year-old male suspect believed to be a kingpin of a rhino poaching syndicate between Mpumalanga and Limpopo was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the Provincial Stock Theft Unit, Hoedspruit police and the local Farm Watch and Policing Forum.
The law enforcment units received information about two suspects driving a grey Toyota bakkie that was suspected to be involved in rhino poaching in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga.“The motor vehicle was spotted driving along the R531 public road at Klaserie One Stop Station in Kampersrus. A stop and search operation was set up in the vicinity in the attempt to block the suspect’s motor vehicle,” said police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
“One suspect fled into the nearby bushes, dropping a black bag. The remaining occupants continued to drive but were apprehended after colliding with another vehicle. A search of the car revealed cash hidden in the backseat, leading to the immediate arrest of the driver,” he said.