Media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga
For immediate release
To: All Media
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH AS SEVEN ALLEGED POACHERS ARRESTED WITH SEVERAL WILDLIFE SPICES
Nelspruit: 05 December 2023 - Several wildlife species, two hunting rifles, bushknives, a number of ammunitions and a vehicle was confiscated in Mauchsburg plantation in Pilgrimsrest in the early hours of this morning, Monday 05 December 2023 at about 03:00.
According to information, the suspects aged between 17 and 42 were nabbed as they invaded the plantation and they were spotted through technological devices. The security personnel responded to the location in the mountainous plantation in Mauchsburg where different wildlife species were slaughtered and loaded in the light delivery vehicle.
Police in Sabie were summoned to the scene and handed over the case to Pilgrimsrest for further handling. Officials from Nature Conversation were also roped in. The total value of the slaughtered wildlife will be availed as soon as Conversation officials are done with their assessment.
Two licenced hunting rifles with close to 500 live ammunitions, seven mobile phones, six torches and bushknives were confiscated.
The vehicle which was used to transport the carcasses was also confiscated. The vehicle was not reported stolen as the owner was part of the arrested suspects.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the wildlife was due to be supplied to illegal miners in and around Pilgrimsrest.
Investigation continues and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the team work which led to the arrest of the suspects.
Media Enquiries:
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala
071 353 6955
