SKUKUZA – SANParks has just announced the arrest of six suspected poachers in the Kruger National Park. All the arrests were made today.
The first arrest took place in Kingfisherspruit when patrolling rangers made contact with three suspected poachers. They called for support and the SAPS’ airwing was despatched, as well as the Special Operations Unit of the SANParks Rangers Corps. Three suspects were apprehended and found to be in possession of a .458 rifle, ammunition and an axe.
In the second incident, rangers in the Crocodile Bridge Section made contact with three suspected poachers. They followed the spoor and called for helicopter backup. The three suspects were then apprehended. They were in possession of a .375 hunting rifle, ammunition and an axe.
The park has been under tremendous pressure from illegal hunters and has already lost over 500 of these magnificent animals to poachers this year alone.
“Congratulating his men on a job well done,” the Commanding Officer SANParks, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said. He is glad that the dedication from his team is not wearing thin and that they continue making inroads.
“Every individual we arrest, and all the weaponry we confiscate from the suspects, gives us more energy and hope that one day, we will be able to contain and start rolling back this onslaught,” concludes Jooste.
