365 suspected rhino poachers arrested
National police say their joint operations continue to make positive steps against rhino poaching in the country.
Officers say 365 suspected rhino poachers have been arrested in the past six months.
NOW READ: We're at a crisis point: Project Rhino KZN
An additional 15 suspects were nabbed last week during intelligence driven operations in Mpumalanga.
Police say four unlicensed firearms and ammunition were seized in the latest arrests in Mpumalanga.
SAPS spokesperson, Vish Naidoo said in a statement that 365 suspected rhino poachers were arrested between January and June.
ALSO READ: Decrease in rhino poaching for 2018
Naidoo said police have managed to secure various convictions, the maximum being nine years imprisonment and the least being a three month jail term or the option of paying a R1,500 fine.
165 suspects remain in custody facing court processes, while six have been deported to their own countries.
Eleven people have been fined and 57 others are serving various jail terms.
Naidoo says the recent successes of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure's 'Operation Rhino 9 Task Team' should serve as a deterrent and warning to other potential poachers.
PHOTOS: Six rhinos dehorned at northern KZN reserve