Cape Town – Police have rearrested one of the most-wanted rhino poaching suspects in Mpumalanga – a Mozambican national Odis Maluleke. 47, who has been on the run for more than four years.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said Maluleke was arrested in Kabokweni on Saturday.
“Thanks to the whistle blowers as well as members of the SAPS from Skukuza Stock Theft Unit who were assisted by members from Tactical Response Team (TRT). The man is said to have been evading court cases against him where he was allegedly involved in poaching,” Mohlala said.
He said reports indicated that Maluleke was initially apprehended together with three of his accomplices on 20 July 2015. The ages of the other three South African male suspects were 30, 35 and 49 at the time.
It is said that when they were cornered, the four were trying to enter the Park through the Skukuza Kruger Gate and their car was searched. During the search, security guards discovered a hunting rifle, 12 live rounds of ammunition as well as an axe inside their vehicle.
“The Police at Skukuza Station were immediately informed about the incident and the men and women in blue attended the scene where the four were arrested as well as charged accordingly. Maluleke was granted bail of R20 000 but failed to return to court while his accomplices attended court. A warrant for his arrest was issued.
“In 2019 the Police as well as SANParks officials received information about poaching. A follow-up was made and on 15 February 2019 four suspects were arrested, amongst them was Maluleke.
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“The ages of the other three South African males arrested with Maluleke were 31, 39 and 50 by then. The three were not the ones that were apprehended with Maluleke in 2015.
“During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of two rhino horns, a hunting rifle, five live ammunition, as well as a knife. All four suspects were arrested and charged accordingly,” Mohlala said.
He said that during their court appearances, the three other South African suspects were granted R3 000 bail each.
Maluleke was not granted bail for the second time but the amount for his bail was R30 000.
“The suspect was expected to show up in court but he absconded again. Another warrant for his arrest was issued and the police were in pursuit for him but fortunately on the said Saturday he was captured again,” said Mohlala.
Maluleke appeared at the Mhala Regional Court on Monday where his case was postponed to 18 May 2023 for further investigation.
He was remanded in court until his appearance in the Skukuza Regional Court.
“Meanwhile the cases against other suspects that were arrested with Maluleke are still proceeding in court except the 50-year-old male suspect who has since passed on 25 January 2021,” said Mohlala
The Mpumalanga commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, welcomed Maluleke’s arrest, saying she hoped justice would prevail.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
