News

The first arrest took place in Kingfisherspruit when patrolling rangers made contact with three suspected poachers. There was a shootout and one of the suspects was arrested while his two accomplices managed to evade arrest by escaping into the fading light.

In the second incident, rangers in the Lower Sabie region made contact with three suspected poachers. In the ensuing fire fight, two of the suspects were wounded and arrested after backing from the SANDF air support. The third managed to evade arrest and investigations are continuing. Poaching equipment and an axe were recovered and the search is underway for the firearm.

The park is home to the biggest rhino population living in the wild, in the world. The park has been under tremendous pressure from illegal hunters and has already lost over five hundred of these magnificent animals to poachers this year alone.

Congratulating his men on a job well done, the Commanding Officer SANParks, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said he is glad that the dedication from his team is not wearing thin and that they continue making inroads. “Every individual we arrest, and all the weaponry we confiscate from the syndicates, gives us more energy and hope that one day, we will overcome this war and save our natural heritage,” concluded Jooste.

Issued By

South African National Park (SANParks) Corporate Communications

Enquiries

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]

Ike Phaahla
Media Specialist
Tel: 012 426 5315; Cell: 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]