Makhado – Seven alleged rhino poachers appeared in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning, Limpopo police said.

“They appeared on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and attempted rhino poaching,” spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said.

The three South Africans, three Mozambicans, and one Zimbabwean had their case postponed to June 26 for a formal bail application.

South Africans Job Tlou, 65, Elias Mokgalabone, 54, and Jack Makhura, 32, Mozambicans Kalu Baloyi, 30, Paulus Nkuna, 51, and Boy Shahlangu, 43, and Zimbabwean Paul Moyo, 28, were arrested on Thursday morning outside a farm near Alldays.

Otto said members of the anti-poaching unit followed up on information about a possible poaching and monitored the men’s movements. They were arrested around 10am as they were about to enter the farm.

“During the arrest, members of the police confiscated three vehicles, a hunting rifle that was fastened underneath one of the vehicles, an axe, as well as ammunition.”

Otto said investigations to try and link them to more poaching in the Lulekani, Gravelotte, and Kruger National Park areas, were underway.

Limpopo provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Simon Mpembe commended the team on its work.

Mpembe said a reward of up to R500 000 was offered to members of the public who provided information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects involved in rhino poaching or dealing in rhino horns. – Sapa