A 45-year-old suspected poacher was arrested on, 16 September 2024, by Acornhoek SAPS during the ongoing Operation Shanela.

The arrest followed an intelligence report received by the police, who subsequently planned and executed an operation based on the gathered information. The suspect was apprehended in Chavelagaza, near Acornhoek, in possession of a firearm with five rounds of live ammunition. The man failed to produce a firearm licence and was promptly arrested.

Further investigations at the scene revealed a large amount of game meat stored in a refrigerator. The suspect was unable to provide proof of purchase for the meat, which included two impala heads, a warthog head, a blesbok head, and two unidentified wild animal thighs.

The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if it has been used in any previous crimes, with the possibility of additional charges being filed against the suspect.

The suspect is scheduled to appear at the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, facing multiple charges, including illegal possession of game meat and possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the efforts of the Operation Shanela team. “The proliferation of firearms remains a concern, but the police are working hard to mitigate this by acting on intelligence reports. Our efforts are yielding positive results,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.