HOEDSPRUIT
Three men suspected of being poachers made their appearance
in the Hoedspruit Periodical Court on 05 June.
Among them is a man of God Pastor Nicolus Mgiba,
45, together with Bento Mendose, 44, and Zalcbrel Baloyi, 28, they were
arrested on Monday night on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit
illegal hunting, and possession of weapons and ammunition similar to those used
by poachers.
“The accused were arrested after a Limpopo
police joint operation and members of the Farm Watch received information about
an alleged poaching syndicate driving around Hoedspruit,” provincial police
spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe stated.The suspects were trying to escape
the detention in their vehicle when they saw the police. While fleeing, they
allegedly ensued a gunfight with the officers.
A hunting rifle, a silencer, four rounds of live
ammunition, a knife and an axe were seized by the police officers at the time
of apprehension. The vehicle, the accused were travelling in. was also confiscated.
It is also known that four other suspects managed to flee on foot. They are
actively sought by the police.
