SANParks rangers arrest seven suspected poachers
All suspects have been handed over to the SAPS for further investigation and will be appearing in court in due course.
South African National Parks (SANParks) announced an encouraging start to the year 2020 in their anti-poaching campaign in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Friday after seven suspected rhino poachers were arrested in the first nine days of the year.
The first group of three suspected poachers were arrested on January 2 in the Lower Sabie/ Skukuza area of the park after an extended daylong follow up operation by rangers supported by the K9 and air wing rapid reaction units.
During the contact, which happened just before last light, a heavy calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment was recovered. A second group of three suspects were arrested on the 7th by a joint Stolznek and Pretoriuskop ranger team supported by K9 and air wing rapid reaction support. This group was found in possession of a high calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment.
READ: Six suspected poachers arrested at Kruger National Park
In the third incident on January 9, rangers, once again supported by K9 and air wing rapid reaction elements, managed to make one arrest out of a group of three suspected rhino poachers after a lengthy follow up operation in the Tshokwane section of the park.
The Chief Executive Officer, Fundisile Mketeni urged communities to continue cooperating with authorities and giving information that can help win this campaign.
“These criminals reside in our neighbouring villages and we urge our neighbours to help us save jobs and create opportunities through tourism, because people come to the park to see these magnificent animals and if we lose them through the actions of these selfish individuals, we won’t be an attraction anymore. Congratulations to the entire SANParks team and we thank you for your dedication, obedience and tenacity and we wish you a successful 2020” concluded Mketeni.
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All suspects have been handed over to the SAPS for further investigation and will be appearing in court in due course.
