KWAZULU-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Sihle Zikalala has commended law authorities for the arrest of suspected poachers in two poaching attempts in the north of the province.
In the first incidence, members of the SAPS working with the North Coast Anti-Poaching (NCAP) unit intercepted two suspects in Richards Bay who had an illegal haul of more than 900 prawns in their possession.
In another incident at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park which is under KZN Ezemvelo, game rangers who were patrolling the park noticed three armed suspects who immediately opened fire on the rangers.
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The rangers returned fire and one of the three poachers was fatally wounded while the other two fled the scene. A high calibre rifle and an axe were recovered at the scene.
Zikalala commended the game rangers for defending not only their lives, but also those of rhinoceros at the park.
Meanwhile, the MEC has expressed disappointment at the postponement, yet again, of the marathon trial of the alleged rhino poaching kingpin Dumisani Gwala at the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court last week.
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