Another successful anti-poaching operation in the KNP

The arrest was a result of a well-executed operation.

During the arrest, a high-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were seized.

KNP spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said rangers detected spoor of three individuals early in the morning and followed it up with a pursuit of the suspected rhino poachers.

Phaahla said the Airwing Unit was called in to support the ground teams using a helicopter and a fixed-wing airplane.

Soon thereafter one suspect was arrested.

He said after following tracks throughout the day, the two remaining suspects were apprehended in the late afternoon and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.

Also read: Suspected poacher killed by elephants in Kruger National Park

“Yesterday was another long day in the field for our anti-poaching teams in difficult conditions but they displayed tenacity and excellent teamwork. We want to congratulate all who were involved. The arrests bring the number arrested in the past five days to eight. In this time three rifles, ammunition and hunting equipment were seized boosting the morale of the rangers, aviators and K9 Unit in the battle to protect and conserve rhinos in the KNP which have been under attack from international rhino poaching syndicates.”

The suspects will appear in court in due course.

Last Saturday, 17 April a suspected poacher was killed by elephants in KNP and one of his accomplices was apprehended by SANParks rangers, supported by Airwing and K9 units.

The third suspect managed to evade arrest.

The incident occurred when field rangers were out on a routine patrol in the Phabeni area when they detected incoming spoor and followed up in pursuit of the suspects.

A rifle was recovered and the case was referred to police who, together with the pathology team, attended to the scene.