SARAH BAARTMAN DISTRICT - Police in the Eastern Cape are on the hunt for rhino poachers who shot, killed and de-horned two rhinos on a safari farm in Paterson on Wednesday evening, 1 February 2023.

It is alleged that the two adult rhinos (male and female) were last spotted during an afternoon game drive on 1 February 2023 and were discovered dead the following afternoon 2 February 2023 while on that game drive. Both horns from both carcasses were hacked off.

A case of illegal hunting of a protected animal without a permit is under investigation.

Police are appealing to anyone who can assist in tracing the suspects to contact the SAPS Provincial Wildlife Coordinator, Capt Mornay Viljoen on 082 319 9216 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service