Kruger National Park

Media Release: Suspected rhino poacher arrested

Back to all news

Date: 12th December 2011

During the afternoon of 11 December 2011, a joint operational team consisting of South African National Parks (SANParks) Rangers and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) arrested a suspected rhino poacher in the N’wanetsi Ranger Section of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

The team came in contact with a group of three armed suspected rhino poachers wherein a shoot-out ensued which led to one suspect being wounded and arrested. The other two suspects managed to escape back into Mozambique.

During the operation, a hunting rifle and four fresh rhino horns were recovered. Follow-up investigations located one rhino carcass, a second carcass is still being sought. Investigations continue in this regard. 

Since January this year, throughout the country, 431 rhino have been killed and 244 of them in the KNP. This year alone a total of 212 suspected poachers have been arrested around the country, of which 78 of them were arrested in the KNP.

For previous media statements, please go to www.sanparks.org

Issued by:
Public Relations Division, Kruger National Park

Media enquiries:
wanda mkutshulwa – Head of Communications, SANParks, Tel: (012) 426 5201/5170, Cell: 082 908 2692, e-mail: wandam@sanparks.org