Poachers arrested in KNP
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the arrest of 8 suspected rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Wednesday, August 5.
In the first incident in the early hours of Wednesday rangers conducting anti-poaching operations encountered three suspected poachers along the Crocodile River – south of the Park.
A shoot-out ensued during which one poacher was wounded.
All three suspects were arrested.
Two hunting rifles, silencers, ammunition and other poaching equipment were confiscated.
In a follow-up investigation later in the same day outside the park a further five suspects were arrested in a joint operation between SANParks Rangers and the SAPS.
The suspects are due to appear in court soon and the charges are being formulated.
This brings to 8 the number of arrests in the last 24 hours.
The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, has welcomed the arrest of the eight suspected rhino poachers en route to committing poaching.
“Just a week after commemorating World Ranger Day I want to again commend our rangers for their hard work together with other law enforcement units including the South African Police Service (SAPS).
