Three suspected poachers were arrested just hours after two black rhinos were found dead at the Great Fish River Nature Reserve.
Officials suspect the rhinos were shot dead some time between Saturday night and Monday morning. One was found in the river – with its horns attached – while the other was found nearby on the river bank.
By Monday afternoon, three suspects had been arrested in East London following a tip-off.
Police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said a ranger, who was on routine patrol on the reserve situated between Makhanda and King William’s Town, found the dead rhinos.
“It is alleged that on October 1 a rhino was reported floating in the Great Fish river at about 11am. Whilst on the way to give attention to the floating rhino, another rhino was discovered on the banks of the river dead with both horns hacked off.
“The one floating in the water had both horns intact. Bullet heads were recovered on both animals, which confirms that they were shot,” she said.
“It is not clear when the animals were killed. It is suspected that the second animal (one that was floating in the river) was shot sometime on Saturday, while the one found on the river bank was believed to have been killed sometime on Monday morning.”
Officials confirmed that gun shots had been heard on Saturday night, but after a detailed search of the area, nothing was found.
A search on Sunday also turned up nothing when, on Monday, the rhinos were found in remote sections of the reserve.
It is believed that they were shot days apart.
Soci said members of Gonubie police and the East London K9 unit intercepted a white Kia fitted with Gauteng registration plates along Shaffley Road, East London just hours later on Monday afternoon.
“The following items together with the vehicle were seized: several high powered firearm rounds, a panga, torches, a hunting knife, a plier and a 1 rifle bag,” she said.
“At this stage there is nothing linking them to the latest poaching however investigators are following up leads.”
Officials confirmed that blood – which has since been sent off for testing to see if it is a match to the dead dehorned rhino found on Monday – was found on the panga
“Our team is working around the clock and they are in the process of comparing evidence gathered on the poaching scene and items found in the car. Only once the various reports are back from the laboratory, will we be able to know if they are linked to the poaching,” she said.
No rifle was found in the car but all the evidence has been sent to the forensic laboratory to be profiled.
Officials suspect the horn and rifle could either be hidden, for collection later, or possibly in another getaway car used by more members of the group.
Provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga called the arrest a significant inroad in the tracking down and apprehension of suspected rhino poachers and those involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
“Our investigation will also seek to ascertain if the suspects are linked to other rhino poaching incidents in the province and around the country,” she said.
“Although efforts are made to arrest suspected rhino poachers in the province, it is concerning to see that incidents of poaching are still reported.
Our teams, together with the various other stake holders, are working together to bring all those involved to justice.”
The three suspects arrested on Monday, aged between 28 and 50 years, are expected to appear in the East London Magistrate's Court for being in unlawful possession of ammunition and other equipment used for rhino poaching on Wednesday.