EXTRACT FROM THE FOLLOWING THIRD PARTY SOURCE: Lowvelder

South Africa’s Hawks police unit arrested two women and a man for conspiring to poach rhinos in the Kruger National Park on Thursday, 19 November. They were arrested at Numbi Gate thanks to an anonymous tip-off.

According to Hawks spokesman, Lt Robert Netshiunda, they received a tip-off about a group of people who were plotting to poach rhinos in Kruger. “Security at all the gates was alerted and on Thursday afternoon the identified vehicle was stopped at Numbi.

Upon searching it, a .375 hunting rifle was found hidden at the engine compartment of the vehicle, while a silencer and ammunition were hidden in the boot. The intention was apparently to drop-off the firearm inside the park so that it could be picked up by poachers who were already inside the park. One suspect evaded arrest and fled into the bush,” he said.

The three suspects, aged 20, 21 and 25, were due to appear before the White River Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as a conspiracy to poach rhinos.