Sixteen suspected poachers were arrested in the Hofmeyr district in the Eastern Cape on Sunday afternoon.
The group allegedly used 32 dogs and knives to hunt game on the Gruisheuwel farm.
According to Capt. Police spokeswoman Lariane Jonker followed an information from a Department of the Environment on Sunday when the suspected illegal hunters were found. She says the men were found in possession of 12 springbok carcasses, after which they were arrested.
The 32 dogs were confiscated and taken to the Animal Protection Association (SPCA) in Komani (Queenstown).
According to a source at the Department of Environmental Affairs, they saw a “tremendous increase” in illegal hunting, specifically with the help of large groups of dogs, during the restriction.
An investigation into the various incidents is underway.
Meanwhile, the 16 suspects, aged between 23 and 48, are expected to appear in the Hofmeyr Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of illegal hunting.
