A provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, said that at around 22:00, two field rangers were camping around the area at Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in Skukuza when they spotted two suspected poachers carrying firearms. “The field rangers approached the suspects and instructed them to stop. However, one suspect fled, but his fellow surrendered and was captured by the rangers. The male suspect was found with a hunting rifle, eight live rounds, a knife, a backpack with foodstuffs and a silencer in his possession,” said Mohlala.
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The Skukuza police were alerted and, upon their arrival, the man was arrested and charged accordingly. “The other suspect is still at large, and the police urge the public to assist with information that may lead to his arrest, by contacting Det Const Eclass Masiya on 076 082 5074, or calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can share information via My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” he said.
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The suspect is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on March 15. Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, has applauded the field rangers who had played a vital role in the apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of the firearm and ammunition. “We are so glad the case is being handled by the stock theft unit, and they are experts in the field. Thus far, they have succeeded in the convictions of many poachers,” she said.
