By Staff Reporter
PHALABORWA– A 36-year-old woman and her 42-year-old male accomplice were arrested in Prieska Village under the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for wildlife crimes after a police raid uncovered an alarming array of wildlife remains and illegal firearms.
The early morning operation, conducted on Thursday, August 29, resulted in the seizure of the following items from the couple’s residence:
Nine hippo skulls,One elephant skull, One elephant skin, Two elephant ears, Four licensed rifles with ammunition,Seven silencers, One luxury SUV, One boat and a substantial amount of cash.
The raid was the culmination of a lengthy investigation that began in 2022, focusing on illegal hunting activities on a farm in the Lulekani area. The operation involved a collaborative effort by various law enforcement agencies, including the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Tactical Response Team, Local Criminal Record Centre, Department of Agriculture, and Farm Watch.
In addition to the wildlife items, a 9mm pistol was found in the residence, which authorities believe is linked to an attempted murder case that occurred in the Lulekani policing area earlier this year in January.
Despite the successful arrests, a manhunt is currently underway for a third suspect who managed to evade capture during the raid.
The couple appeared before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 30, 2024, facing charges of money laundering and poaching under the Wildlife Act.
Their arrests have sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trafficking in the region.
