| 2025/01/31 |
|
Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commends a multidisciplinary team for arresting two suspected rhino poachers during joint operations on Wednesday, 28 and Thursday, 30 January 2025, respectively. The team comprising of Lehurutshe Stock theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Madikwe Game Reserve Anti-Poaching Unit, and SANPARKS officials arrested Eric Ndlovu (47), at Hartbeesfontein police station where he was in detention for rhino poaching allegedly committed earlier this month. The accused has been on the radar following the linkage to four rhino poaching cases reported between June and August 2023, in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Ensuing investigations into the matter led the team to Sghandaff in Soshanguve, Gauteng Province where the second suspect, aged 27, was caught on Thursday, 30 January 2025. This brings to six, the number of suspects arrested in connection with the four Madikwe cases. The initial four suspects were nabbed between October 2023 and March 2024. Following his arrest, Ndlovu appeared in the Zeerust Magisrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 January 2025. He was remanded in custody until Wednesday, 05 February 2025, for possible bail application. Ndlovu is also facing separate charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition following his arrest during a Crime Intelligence led tactical operation in Rustenburg on Wednesday, 08 January 2025. He was then linked to the Hartbeesfontein rhino poaching case. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old suspect is expected to make first appearance before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 03 February 2025. The Acting Provincial Commissioner extolled the team for their team work and dedication that led to the arrests. Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
|
|
|
