Trio to appear in court for rhino poaching in KZN
Three suspected rhino poachers, arrested in Paulpietersburg in northern KZN, are expected to line up in court on Monday.
The suspects, aged 34 to 50, were caught on Saturday morning following a joint operation by police and private security.
It's understood that three masked men stormed a game reserve [in the early hours of] on Friday, and tied up two security guards, before stealing their firearms and cell phones.
KZN police spokesperson Paul Magwaza says the suspects then shot a rhino and removed its horn.
READ: Dehorning of South African rhinos slashed poaching
However, they fled when the alarm was triggered, leaving behind a shotgun.
"Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects with assistance from community members,” Magwaza says.
"The suspects were finally arrested as they took refuge in the bush. In their possession was an R5 rifle, a 303 rifle, and a rhino horn. The vehicle in which they were travelling was also seized."
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