| 2024/08/30 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – A 36-year-old female suspect and her 42-year-old male accomplice are expected to appear before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 August 2024, facing charges of money laundering and poaching under the Wildlife Act. The suspects were arrested on Thursday morning during a raid at their residence in Prieska Village, Phalaborwa policing precinct. The arrest follows a breakthrough in a lengthy investigation that commenced in 2022 into illegal hunting on a farm in Lulekani. The suspects were subsequently arrested through an intelligence-driven joint operation by the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Tactical Response Team, Local Criminal Record Centre, Department of Agriculture, and Farm Watch. During the search of the premises, the following exhibits were recovered: – 9 hippo skulls – 1 elephant skull – 1 elephant skin – 2 elephant ears – 4 licensed rifles with ammunition – 7 silencers – 1 Luxury SUV – 1 boat and – A substantial amount of cash Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the third suspect who evaded arrest. A search at his residence resulted in recovering of a 9mm pistol believed to be linked to an attempted murder case in Lulekani policing area in January this year.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the multidisciplinary forces for their outstanding work in arresting the suspects and fighting the scourge of poaching in the province, which negatively impacts our farming community and economy. “We appreciate the support of our farming community and urge them to continue reporting any suspicious activities to the police.” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. Ends
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