Mozambican rhino poacher rearrested in South Africa

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, cited in the South African agency IOL, the man, named as Odis Maluleke, was arrested at Kabokweni on Saturday.

“Thanks to whistle-blowers as well as to members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) he was arrested. He is said to have been running away from facing court cases against him where he was allegedly involved in poaching,” Mohlala said.

According to the police report, Maluleke was first arrested along with three of his accomplices on July 20, 2015.

“The ages of the other three South African male suspects were 30, 35 and 49 at the time. It is said that when they were cornered, the four were trying to enter the park through the Skukuza Kruger gate and their car was searched. During the search, security guards discovered a hunting rifle, 12 rounds of live ammunition as well as an axe inside their vehicle,” said the spokesperson.

Maluleke had been released on bail of 20,000 Rands but failed to return to court for further appearances.

“The police at Skukuza station were immediately informed about the incident and the men and women in blue attended the scene where the four were arrested and charged accordingly.”

His co-accused attended their court appearances. An arrest warrant was issued for Maluleke. For the second time, he was released on bail - set this time at 30,000 Rands.

“The suspect was expected to show up in court but he absconded again”, said Mohlala. “Another warrant for his arrest was issued and the police were in pursuit of him. Fortunately, he was captured again.”
(AIM)