Ex-Cop Nabbed for Rhino Poaching (March 6)
A 48 year old former SAPS Warrant Officer is due to appear in the White River magistrate court for his alleged involvement in rhino poaching (see Witness report).
The former cop [Joseph "Big Joe" Nyalunga] was arrested on Friday, 2 March 2012 by members of the SAPS organised Crime Unit (HAWKS) after he was found in possession of 2 sets (four) of rhino horns and over R60 000 in cash in his vehicle at the Blue Haze shopping centre in Hazeyview.
The detectives then advanced to four houses, three of which are apparently owned by the former policeman. At these houses, detectives found the following : -
- R5million in cash in a steel box,
- Several television sets,
- Several personal computers & laptops,
- Over 50 hunting knives, some with blood stains,
- A rifle and silencer
The member was out on bail for money laundering when police arrested him in December 2011 for being in possession of over R3.2 million.
Today, the suspect will appear in court on charges of being in possession of rhino horns (Contravention of the Endangered Species Act) and possession of property suspected to be stolen.
Suspected Rhino Poachers Shot at Kruger Park (March 7)
One suspected rhino poacher has been shot dead, two others have been wounded and another arrested in a shootout with SAN Parks rangers at the Kruger National Park. Park rangers noticed four men crossing a river at the Kruger Park and ordered them to stop. The men allegedly shot at the rangers who then returned fire.
One suspected poacher died at the scene and two others sustained gunshot wounds. One was wounded in the leg and arm, and another was wounded in the arm and abdomen. The fourth suspected poacher has been arrested. One rifle and several knives used to hack off rhino horns have been confiscated.
The wounded men are to be transported to hospital, while the arrested suspected poacher is going to assist police arrest at least one more suspect. The arrested man has already admitted to the killing of three rhinos that were killed in the park last week. The surviving poachers will be facing charges of rhino poaching, and shooting at the rangers.
Statement issued by Colonel Mcintosh Polela, National Media Centre Corporate Communication, South African Police Service, March 6 and 7 2012
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