SOUTH AFRICA: Rhino Poacher Arrested In Durban

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have re-arrested a man who has been on the run since last year following his earlier arrest for possession of a rhino horn.

Suraj Rampersad was arrested in November 2011 and later released on bail in 2015, but has failed to appear in court again.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said Rampersad had been on the run since last year and that a warrant for his arrest was issued.

“Police worked around the clock tracing Rampersad, eventually he was traced in Newlands East where he was re-arrested while withdrawing cash from ATM,” said Zwane.

Rampersad was expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate Court on Thursday to face four counts including illegal rhino hunting, fraud, and possession of rhino horn value at R100 000.

KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Bhekinkosi Langa praised the investigating team for their effort in making sure that the suspect was brought back to court to face his charges.