A high speed chase involving law enforcement officers compelled three suspects to abandon their vehicle, along with a stash of illegal items. These included a rhino horn, tower battery, silencer, firearm, and ammunition.
According to SAPS Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the incident unfolded when the trio was intercepted by Volksrust police during a routine stop and search operation along Mandela Drive, Volksrust, on Monday, 9 October 2023, at approximately 10 pm.
Brigadier Mohlala elucidated that the police signalled the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, to halt, but the occupants of the vehicle disregarded the instructions. “The vehicle sped off and police tailed it. Realising that they could not outclass the police, the suspects alighted from the vehicle and fled on foot,” stated Brigadier Mohlala.
Following this development, a search of the vehicle was carried out, revealing a concealed rhino horn placed inside a bucket wrapped with adhesive tape. Additionally, a 303 rifle containing four live rounds and a silencer were discovered carefully hidden in the bonnet, alongside a tower battery.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was not stolen, and the owner has a pending case of possession of unlicensed firearm, which was committed in September 2021 in Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal Province,” affirmed Brigadier Mohlala.
Subsequently, the vehicle, along with the rhino horn, tower battery, silencer, firearm, and ammunition, were seized for further investigation.
Law enforcement agencies are now urging anyone with pertinent information that could aid in the arrest of the suspects to promptly contact the investigation officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pretty Mavuso, on 079 692 0615 or reach out to the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
Alternatively, individuals can report information via the MYSAPS APP. All information received will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, and callers have the option to remain anonymous.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the aforementioned incident in the comment section below.
