Rhino poaching suspect in the dock

Potchefstroom – A 33-year old police constable, who police say was among a group of four suspects spotted in the act of poaching rhinos, was arrested and is now appearing before the Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court to answer for his crimes. 

Amukelani Nkuna, who made his first appearance in court on Thursday 16 January, was remanded in custody and is expected back in the dock on 24 January. 

The state claims that during a crime intelligence operation implemented by the police on 14 January, the four suspects were intercepted at a game lodge in Boitekong while they were in the process of poaching rhinos. 

“Upon realising that they were cornered, three of the suspects disappeared into thick bushes, but police managed to arrest one of them.

Upon further investigations, the suspect was identified as being a police constable,” police spokesperson colonel Adéle Myburgh said.   

“It is believed that the suspects are likely to be linked with more cases of rhino poaching, which have been reported in the Pilanesberg area. We expect to make more arrests in this regard,” she added. 

North West provincial commissioner, lieutenant general Sello Kwena, expressed his disappointment at the arrest of a fellow police officer. 

“The law must still take its course,” Kwena said.