3 suspected rhino poachers expected to appear in KZN court

JOHANNESBURG - Three suspected rhino poachers are expected to appear in the Vryheid Magistrates Court in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday.

The men were arrested over the weekend after allegedly killing a rhino and fleeing with its horn from a game reserve.

Police said a manhunt was launched after the suspects escaped from the reserve following the incident.

Provincial police spokesperson Paul Magwaza said the men allegedly assaulted reserve security staff to gain entry.

“The three suspects, who were wearing face-concealing masks, entered a game reserve, and accosted two security guards, tied them up and robbed them of a shotgun, an R5 assault rifle, as well as their cellphones. 

“They then proceeded to shoot a rhino and removed its horn. Whilst busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by the sound of an alarm which had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun next to the rhino carcass.”