Johannesburg – Ten suspected poachers were arrested in and around the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Sunday and Monday, while a ranger was killed in what appeared to be an accidental shooting on Tuesday.
The chief executive of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, on Tuesday confirmed the death of one of its field rangers.
“The incident happened at Lower Sabie in the KNP, where the field ranger was based."
“We are saddened by the death of one of our hard-working colleagues and pass our sincerest condolences to his family and associates,” said Mketeni.
He stressed that the death was a big blow to the Rangers Corps, the SANParks family and the anti-poaching campaign.
“However, we will continue where he left off to ensure the safety of our natural assets."
“Details are still sketchy at this stage, but the SA Police Service is investigating the incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, SANParks rangers made several arrests over the last few days and also seized four high-calibre rifles and poaching equipment believed to have been used in rhino-poaching activities in the park.
“On Sunday, three suspected poachers were arrested by rangers with the assistance of the K9 unit in Pretoriuskop."
“A fresh set of rhino horns as well as a .458 rifle with a silencer, ammunition, an axe and other poaching equipment were recovered,” Mketeni said.
In a second incident, in the Stolznek section of the park, rangers were able to make contact with two alleged poachers.
“One was apprehended while his accomplice managed to escape.”
Meanwhile, in a third successful ranger-driven campaign on the outskirts of the KNP, SANParks rangers, together with the SAPS National Intervention Unit, apprehended and arrested four suspected rhino poachers, and two rhino horns were seized.
“The suspects were in possession of poaching equipment, ammunition and a heavy-calibre rifle,” Mketeni said.
On Monday, Crocodile Bridge rangers who were conducting a follow-up operation managed to arrest an alleged poacher, who was in possession of a heavy-calibre rifle as well as ammunition.
“We are proud of the work that is being done by our colleagues in the field; this shows the commitment and dedication to their task."
“We are also grateful that most of them come back safe to continue the campaign on behalf of all South Africans and the entire globe that visit this part of the world to witness these magnificent prehistoric animals in their natural habitat,” Mketeni said.
He had a strong warning for poachers in and around the KNP: “We have eyes all over the park and we will catch you and take your freedom away.”
Earlier this year, 11 more poachers were arrested cross the KNP region.
@Lanc_02