Rhino poachers arrested after shooting on game farm (SA)

WO Petrus Ntsala of Kroonstad K9 with a confiscated hunting rifle and a 9 mm pistol at Letsatsi La Africa game farm in Vierfontein. Image: SAPS / As originally published by The South African

Lyse Comins, The South African | August 5, 2021

Police have arrested two alleged rhino poachers who fired shots at the owner of Letsatsi La Africa and his son in Vierfontein in the Free State on Thursday.

Free State SAPS spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, said the police were investigating cases of attempted murder and rhino poaching under the Bioversity Act 10 /2004 Section 57 and the carrying out of restricted activities involving species listed as threatened. The incident occurred at around 12.30am on Thursday 5 August.

“It is alleged that five males suspected to be poachers were found near the Rhino Boma where the fence was already cut and one of them allegedly aimed a rifle at the owner and his two sons,” Makhele said.

“The complainant responded by firing shots at the poachers. One was wounded on his right leg and right arm. The wounded 48-year-old suspect was taken to a hospital in Klerksdorp under police guard,” Makhele said.

Makhele said that a second 43-year-old suspect was also apprehended in the vicinity of the shooting.

“One pistol, a magazine with five rounds, a .375 rifle with one round and an axe were recovered at the scene. Three suspects are still at large,” Makhele said.

Makhele added that a case that was“almost similar” to the latest poaching incident had occurred on Friday 30 July 2021 when poachers shot, killed and de-horned a rhino on the same game farm. Makehel said police were still searching for the suspects involved in the case.

“The investigation continues and two suspects will appear at Viljoenskroon Magistrate’s Court soon,” Makhele said.

Read the original story here.