The KwaZulu-Natal police took action based on information received about the suspects and spotted their car on the R34 road heading towards Vryheid, prompting a high-speed chase.
According to Lt-Col Nqobile Gwala, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, the vehicle was eventually intercepted near Klipfontein Dam.
Upon searching the car, officers discovered a rifle hidden in the engine compartment, along with two rhino horns wrapped in black plastic. Additionally, the carcass of a rhino was found at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
Further investigation revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen in Kabega Park, Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape.
Lt-Col Gwala also disclosed that the 51-year-old suspect was on parole for previous charges of attempted murder and robbery in Camperdown. The other suspect is wanted for criminal activities committed in different provinces.
The two suspects were scheduled to appear in court on Friday to face charges related to the possession of illegal rhino horns, the theft of a firearm, and potentially other crimes.
The arrest and subsequent court proceedings highlight the ongoing efforts to combat rhino poaching and illegal wildlife trade in South Africa.
