News

The past weekend of 16 to 18 April 2021, brought fruitful operations in the Kruger National Park (KNP) wherein five suspected poachers were arrested in the Pretoriuskop Section. The suspects were found in possession of ammunition, a silencer and two high calibre hunting rifles.

“It has been a successful weekend in the fight to keep our rhinos alive in the park, we are delighted with our anti-poaching teams who were able to arrest suspects before any animal was killed. The actions are a morale booster for our anti-poaching teams and conservation efforts,” said Gareth Coleman, the Managing Executive of the KNP.

On Saturday 17 April 2021, SANParks Rangers, supported by Airwing and K9 units apprehended one suspected poacher and recovered poaching equipment including a rifle and an axe. The second suspect was fatally trampled by a herd of breeding elephants and the third managed to evade arrest.

Yesterday (18 April 2021), rangers detected an incursion on a routine patrol and despite the hot weather conditions, they unwearyingly tracked the spoor until they made contact with a group of three suspected poachers. All three suspects were arrested and a high calibre hunting rifle, poaching equipment and ammunition were recovered. The rangers were supported by the Airwing and K9 units during this operation as well.

“We hope the arrests send a strong message to poachers that we are determined to stop them in their tracks within the Park. SANParks is committed to working harder with law enforcement agencies and communities outside the Park to intensify efforts to crack the criminal syndicates driving these crimes,” concluded Coleman.

Issued By

South African National Parks – Kruger National Park

Enquiries

Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications & Marketing – SANParks
Tel: 013 735 4363, Cell 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]