In the first incident in the early hours of Wednesday rangers conducting anti-poaching operations encountered three suspected poachers along the Crocodile River – south of the Park. A shoot-out ensued during which one poacher was wounded.
All three suspects were arrested. Two hunting rifles, silencers, ammunition and other poaching equipment were confiscated.
In a follow-up investigation later the same day outside the Park, a further five suspects were arrested in a joint operation between SANParks Rangers and the SAPS.
The suspects are due to appear in court soon and the charges are being formulated.
This brings to eight the number of arrests in the last 24 hours.
The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, has welcomed the arrest of the eight suspected rhino poachers en route to committing poaching. “Just a week after commemorating World Ranger Day I want to again commend our rangers for their hard work together with other law enforcement units including the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Since the start of 2015 a total of 223 suspected poachers have been arrested in the country: of which 129 were arrested in the Kruger National Park.
“This is a clear indication that resilience and dedication pays off… we are grateful that no lives were lost,” says Minister Molewa.
SANParks and the South African conservation fraternity continues to request the support and cooperation of all members of society in identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour that could lead to the arrest of suspected poachers.
South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications
Tel: 012 426 5170
Media enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
General Manager: Media, PR & Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]