Members of the Hartbeespoort Crime Prevention and K9 Unit and Brits police received information regarding a rhino poaching syndicate that had moved into the Brits area. Information was immediately followed up and police discovered the six men's whereabouts in Majakaneng. Police also established that the men were targeting a game lodge with rhinos near Brits where the alleged poachers had an inside informant. On Wednesday 17 August, a well-planned operation by the Hartbeespoort Crime Prevention and K9 units, as well as the Brits police's Trio Task Team and Organised Crime unit, led to the arrest of six suspects in Majakaneng. Police found a hunting rifle, ammunition and a bush knife in the suspects' possession. More ammunition, a rifle silencer and an axe were found in a vehicle belonging to the suspects. The vehicle was confiscated. During further investigation, it was established that the six suspects arrested were wanted by the Hawks and the National Anti-poaching unit.