News

The South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the arrest of four suspected poachers including a staff member in an intelligence driven operation. The arrests took place on Friday 15 February 2019 in the Kruger National Park (KNP)

The four were arrested in an operation led by members of the SANParks Rangers Corps and supported by SANParks Environmental Investigation Unit (ECI) and the SAPS.

The four arrested suspects were found in possession of a high calibre hunting rifle, two rhino horns, hunting equipment and were driving in two cars which have since been confiscated. Investigations are ongoing and further arrests can’t be ruled out at this stage.

The Chief Executive Officer of SANParks Mr Fundisile Mketeni explained that this was the result of an operation that was initiated to root out staff members who are colluding with outside people to poach animals in the KNP. “We are very disappointed every time a staff member is arrested, it shows that we have wolves clothed in sheep’s clothing who are working against the organisation. I want to warn those who still think they can get away with this betrayal, your day is coming sooner than you think” said Mketeni.

The suspects will appear in court in due course.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) – Kruger National Park: Communications & Marketing Department.

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Ike Phaahla
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