Seven charged with illegal hunting: linked to the poaching of rhinos at the Shingalana game lodge,


2011-01-11 16:29

Klerksdorp - Seven people linked to the poaching of rhinos at the Shingalana game lodge were expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, North West police said.

Lieutenant Colonel Lesego Metsi said the seven people had been charged with illegal hunting.

Three people were arrested in Klerksdorp and Hartbeesfontein on Tuesday, and four others were caught in Sebokeng in the Vaal area at the weekend.

The arrests came after an intensive three month investigation.

Metsi said police confiscated a hunting rifle, a 9mm pistol, a scale, panga, axe, knife, bakkie, loading bin, an iron bar and 14 cellphones.

"The police are investigating the possibility of more suspects being involved in the illegal hunting," said Metsi.

Between October and December 2010, four rhinos valued at R2.4m were killed at the game lodge and their horns removed.

- SAPA