Nine poachers arrested at Sanparks in three days
This serves as a good moral booster ahead of the celebrations of the International World Ranger Day on July 31
The South African National Parks announced the arrest of nine poaching suspects in the Kruger National Park since July 20.
The arrests were effected in three different sections of the park which has borne the brunt of rhino poaching.
“Three suspects were arrested at the Crocodile Bridge Section on July 20. They were found in possession of a heavy calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment. Letaba rangers arrested three more suspects found in possession of a high caliber hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment on July 22. The other three arrests were made by the Tshokwane rangers on July 23. The suspected poachers were found in possession of a high caliber rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment,” said Ike Phaahla, Sanparks spokesperson.
Read: Poacher sentenced to 22 years in prison, another killed in a shootout
Phaahla added that the three successful arrest of poachers was effected with support from the police K9 unit and airwing teams. This also came along with sad news of the loss of one of the K9 dogs in the operation, which was later found unharmed much to the relief of the ranger corps. He said that these magnificent animals are valuable and have become a big game changer in the anti-poaching campaign. They are part of the rangers corps family and contribute to the success rate of arrests in the anti-poaching campaign.
Also read: Kruger employees warned against rhino poaching
Glenn Phillips, the KNP managing executive, expressed his appreciation of the hard work done by the rangers corps, airwing and K9 units.
“We are proud of your achievements in the recent past, we salute your commitment and bravery to this campaign. We are happy that the K9 dog was found unharmed even though it was dehydrated and drained,” said Phillips.
In other sad news, rangers in the Vlakteplaas section have made a grim discovery of the carcasses of 119 vultures next to a poached buffalo. Initial indications are that meat was taken from the buffalo by the poachers, who then laced the remainder with poison which killed 117 white backed vultures, one hooded vulture and a white headed vulture.
A case has been registered with the police and further updates will follow.
