Abalone worth R3m recovered in Free State

Source: swfsc.noaa.gov

The incident happened on Saturday afternoon, when the driver of a vehicle with Swaziland registration plates failed to stop at a stop-and-search on the outskirts of Kroonstad.

The Free State Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Environmental Affairs and Small Business Development Green Scorpions gave chase and the driver lost control, resulting in the vehicle turning over.

One suspect was certified dead by paramedics and the other suspect was taken into police custody and is being questioned by police.

Free State MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Msebenzi Zwane, congratulated the officials for their swift and vigilant action and wished them well in the fight against environmental crime.

Meanwhile, three suspected rhino poachers from Mozambique were arrested on Friday inside a private farm in Gravellotte, Limpopo.

SAPS spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, said that the three -- aged 16, 47 and 44 years -- were lying in wait to shoot and dehorn a rhino. However, their plans were frustrated after police descended on them and they were arrested on the spot.

"The three were found in possession of an unlicensed 3.75 rifle with ammunition. The three -- a 16-year-old minor, Phineas Baloyi (47) and Phillip Xihlangu (44) -- appeared briefly at the local magistrate's court on charges of illegal poaching and possession of an unlicensed firearm. They are expected to appear again on 15 August 2014," said Mulaudzi.