In Tom Cruise’s favourite South African area, a scene that could’ve been from Mission Impossible went down. A suspected rhino poaching kingpin was recently caught and handed over to face the music.
Limpopo, South Africa (30 May, 2023)—A suspected rhino poaching kingpin faced the blue lights and legal music recently after being caught over the weekend.
In a real-life scene that could’ve been from Mission Impossible (aptly, the chase ensued around Tom Cruise’s beloved South African town) police were sent on a car chase to nab the suspects.
According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the 59-year-old alleged kingpin and one unknown individual had police pumping the gas after receiving a lead that placed the suspects at a petrol station — Klaserie 1 Stop — in Hoedspruit.
Initially, police had set up a roadblock, but the suspects U-turned their way out of the situation. Not ready to back down, law enforcement ensued a chase for around 6 kilometres until the suspicious bakkie stopped.
One suspect fled the car and the scene, leaving behind a black bag with dangerous contents.
The driver continued to race but was cornered after impacting another vehicle, leading to the suspected poaching kingpin’s discovery and arrest.
Of the suspected kingpin, he is believed to have been involved in rhino poaching syndicates at a high-level, facilitating poaching between Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
The Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the teams involved in apprehending the suspect.” This collaborative effort between our members and other Security Structures is paying off in ensuring the safety of our community”. Concluded General Hadebe.
Thanks to the brave efforts of the joint intelligence operation between the Hoedspruit police, the Limpopo Stock Theft Unit and the local Farm Watch and Policing Forum, the suspect appeared in the Hoedspruit court yesterday.
Given all the tireless work many rangers around South Africa commit to protecting rhinos, the apprehension is a step in a hopeful direction.
Last year, one poacher was sentenced to 52 years in prison (34 effectively), a huge win for the rhinos and their champion supporters.
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