UPDATE: KNP ranger been missing for a week
A field ranger at Kruger National Park (KNP) went missing while on routine patrol along the Nsikazi River in the Stolsnek section last Tuesday evening.
KNP spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said on a statement that Checkers Mashego was reported missing by his colleagues after failing to arrive at their agreed rendezvous point.
Phaahla said the section ranger at Stolsnek and his ranger corps initiated a thorough search through the night and intensified at first light on to the morning of Wednesday, 18 November with the support of a SANParks helicopter, K9 and extra Rangers.
He said at the time Mashego went missing, he was in his full ranger uniform and had his rifle, cell phone and radio.
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“SANParks officials have notified his family and are currently in contact with them to provide any further support required. The incident was reported to the SAPS who have registered a missing person’s enquiry at the Skukuza Police Station,” said the KNP managing executive, Gareth Coleman.
On Friday, 20 November KNP announced that there have not been any new developments overnight.
Phaahla said the SANParks Rangers Corps, K9, Airwing and Environmental Crime Investigation Units have been searching the area since his disappearance with no luck.
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He said Mashego’s family is being updated on a regular basis of operations on the ground.
At the time this article was published Mashego was still missing and Phaahla told Herald that the search for his whereabouts is continuing with reinforcement from the South African Police Services.
SANParks is appealing to those who might have information regarding Mashego to call the police central number of 10111 or the SANParks MAJOC emergency numbers 013 735 0197/ 076 801 9679.
