No bail for rhino poaching accused
A total of 82 rhino have been poached in the country since January 1. File photo: Jennifer Bruce A total of 82 rhino have been poached in the country since January 1. File photo: Jennifer Bruce
Four men alleged to be involved in a rhino-poaching syndicate will remain behind bars until April 26.
Evert Potgieter, Riaan Vermaak and brothers Dumisane and Nkosinathi Sithole appeared in the Magudu Magistrate’s Court in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Friday on charges of conspiracy to hunt 10 rhino and attempting to hunt rhino.
Potgieter and Vermaak face additional charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition and stolen property.
The four men were denied bail, and will appear in court again on April 26.
Last week, a fifth accused in the case Philomon Mbatha, who worked as Potgieter’s farm labourer, was granted bail.
The men were arrested a month ago when undercover police agents were taken to the Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve to allegedly poach 10 rhino. - Daily News