Picture: A kudu found in the back of a bakkie in Reivilo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The animal poachers ‘reign of terror’ continue in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. This comes after seven suspects were arrested during the weekend in separate incidents in Ganyesa and Reivilo respectively.
The North West police urge the community members to assist them in halting poaching in the area. The illegal poaching activities allegedly leave statistics very high and a loss of biodiversity in the process.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “On 12 May 2023, the police in Ganyesa, attended to a scene, where four suspects were found in possession of wild animals. Upon arrival at the scene, the police were informed by Bushveld Security personnel that, they noticed the vehicle hunting in the area.
“The vehicle, which was a light delivery van was searched and four Kudus and a buck were found at the back of the vehicle. The driver of the delivery van and the occupants could not produce a hunting permit upon request. A further search was conducted and two cartridges were found in the vehicle.”
Van Rooyen further said, four suspects aged 21,28,36 and 56 years were arrested and a case of illegal hunting was opened against them. She added that the vehicle and the wild animals were confiscated for further investigation.
“The suspects were due to appear in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Monday. In an unrelated incident, the police in Reivilo conducted a vehicle checkpoint between Reivilo and Taung on 12 May 2023. During the operation, a white Isuzu Bakkie was stopped, and found that there was a kudu that was shot at the back of the bakkie.
“The explanation given by the driver of the vehicle was not satisfactory and the driver nor the occupants could not provide a hunting permit. A case of illegal hunting was opened and the suspects aged 30,34 and 52 years were arrested,” she said.
Van Rooyen said the vehicle, the kudu, a hunting rifle, and 13 rounds were confiscated. She said the suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 22 May 2023.
Meanwhile, the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the police, who ensured that the suspects were apprehended. Tlotleng said it is only by forging partnerships that the police can curb the fight against crime.
The Guardian 