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Eastern Cape police said “excellent collaboration” between themselves and security officers from a private game reserve resulted in the swift arrest of two suspects and the seizure of poaching equipment.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the two from Gauteng, were arrested early on Friday morning when Port Alfred K9 unit members and the security officials stopped a vehicle on the R67 at Koonaprivier between Makhanda and Fort Beaufort.
“The vehicle was searched and a .375 calibre rifle and live rounds of ammunition as well as equipment were found hidden in various places inside the vehicle,” she said.
Naidu said the suspects from Tembisa were detained on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
They are expected to appear in the Fort Beaufort Magistrate Court on Monday, 10 July.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major-General Zolani Xawuka welcomed the arrests adding that authorities would “not tolerate the continued exploitation” of wildlife.
