Mozambican Nationals Arrested for Rhino Poaching Conspiracy in Potchefstroom

In a significant breakthrough for the fight against wildlife crimes, three foreign nationals were detained during a meticulously coordinated operation underpinned by vital intelligence insights. On a tranquil Saturday afternoon in Lichtenburg, an area marred by the specter of rhino poaching, the calm was disrupted when Sarmento Guilvica, Armando Chongo, and Donald Devesse were apprehended by the authorities.

The suspects, falling into the grip of law enforcement on the 19th of October 2024, face severe allegations of conspiring to poach the vulnerable rhinoceroses, further tainted by charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The operation, launched on the backbone of actionable intelligence, witnessed a collaboration of units— Lichtenburg Visible Policing, the K9 Unit, and members of Omgee Neighbourhood Watch, all coalescing to close the net on the accused.

Their vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie, became the centerpiece of the operation when it was spotted on the R52 road near Lichtenburg town. This moment marked the beginning of the end for the trio's alleged illicit activities.

Upon their arrest, the suspects were escorted to the Lichtenburg police station, where a thorough search unveiled a cache of items that painted a worrying picture: a hunting rifle with its identity obscured by a filed-off serial number, a stockpile of ten rounds of ammunition, an assemblage of two knives, and a cooler box. Four more rounds were found in the search, hinting at preparations for a deadly mission against wildlife.

Further investigations unearthed a concerning history involving the arrested individuals. Guilvica is currently embroiled in another case for a similar offense in Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province. Meanwhile, Chongo's newfound freedom, afforded by a parole granted on the 15th of August 2024 after a seven-year sentence for the very same crime of rhino poaching, was cut short by this arrest.

Their initial appearance before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, the 22nd of October, concluded with them being remanded in custody. With a court date penned for the 25th of October 2024, the accused trio will have to answer for their alleged crimes against nature.

In commenting on the success of the operation, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Commissioner of North West, commended his team's unwavering dedication to safeguarding rhinos and stemming the illegal proliferation of firearms. The community and law enforcement can take solace in the fact that such coordinated efforts continue to be a bulwark against wildlife crimes.