FOUR men and a woman suspected of rhino poaching were arrested on a private game farm in the Lephalale area.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Ronel Otto said game rangers from Ferroland Game Estate spotted a vehicle driving near the farm. She said they stopped the vehicle and questioned the occupants . The rangers then called the police .

"It became clear that the suspects were looking for rhinos because their tracks followed those of the animals," Otto said.

Three suspects were arrested. Police also found a .308 hunting rifle with the serial number filed off as well as five rounds of ammunition, she said.

Five people appeared in the Lephalale magistrate's court on Monday on charges of the unlawful hunting of protected wild species and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The case was postponed to September 6. The suspects are Patricia Mukwhevho, Secret Cutama, Rhinus Makhadu, Louis Musekwa and Abram Kgalushi.