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25 July 2019

Media Release: Bitter sweet success for SANParks Rangers

South African National Parks, on Wednesday, 24 July 2019, announced the arrests of nine poaching suspects in the Kruger National Park since the 20 July 2019. The arrests were effected in three different sections of the park which has borne the brunt of rhino poaching. This serves as a good morale booster ahead of the celebrations of International World Ranger Day on the 31 July.

Crocodile Bridge Section has seen three arrests with suspects found in possession of a heavy calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment on the 20 July 2019.

Letaba Rangers made contact with three suspects who were in possession of a high calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment on the 22 July 2019 adding to the number of more successful arrests in the Park.

Tshokwane Rangers also arrested three suspected poachers in possession of a high calibre rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment on the 23 July 2019.

The three successful apprehensions of poachers were effected with support from the K9 and Airwing teams, it also came with sad news at the loss of one of the K9dogs in the operation, which was later found unharmed much to the relief of the Ranger Corps. These magnificent animals are valuable and have become a big game-changer in the anti-poaching campaign. They are part of the Rangers Corps family and contribute to the success rate of arrests in the anti-poaching campaign.

Glenn Phillips the KNP Managing Executive expressed his appreciation of the hard work that was done by the Rangers Corps, Airwing and K9 Units saying “We are proud of your achievements in the recent past, we salute your commitment and bravery to this campaign. We are happy that it was found unharmed even though it was dehydrated and drained” said Glenn.

In other sad news, Rangers in the Vlakteplaas section have made a grim discovery of the carcasses of 119 vultures next to a poached buffalo. Initial indications are that meat was taken from the buffalo by the poachers, who then laced the remainder with poison which killed 117 white-backed vultures, one hooded vulture and a white-headed vulture.

The poisoning is being investigated by the Park officials with cooperation from the Mozambican officials. Two of the vulture carcasses are being probed to establish the type of poison that was used to kill the birds.

A case has been registered with the police and further updates will follow.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) – Kruger National Park

Media enquiries:
Ike Phaahla
GM: Communications and Marketing – KNP
Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell: 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]