Suspect faces charges of possession of rhino horn, rhino poaching, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
A 56-year-old suspect, Simon Majuta Chauke, who was sought since 2024 for rhino poaching-related offences, is expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 09 February 2026.
The suspect faces charges of possession of rhino horn, rhino poaching, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The arrest was effected on Friday, 06 February 2026 at about 11:30, following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Limpopo Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, together with Modimolle Detectives. The operation targeted the suspect after he failed to appear in court while out on bail for rhino poaching.
A warrant of arrest was issued, leading to the suspect’s arrest in Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province.
The suspect was initially arrested on 29 January 2024 after being intercepted at the Kranskop Toll Gate while travelling from Phalaborwa to Gauteng Province. During the arrest, police recovered a rhino horn concealed inside the vehicle.
Further investigations led police to a farm in Gravellotte, where the rhino carcass was discovered. The hunting rifle and ammunition allegedly used in the commission of the crime were later recovered at Kliprivier near Alberton, Gauteng Province. Police investigations are continuing.
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