UMP and SANParks to Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity
The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and South African National Parks (SANParks) will celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity under the...
Successful Apprehension Of Suspected Illegal Bark Strippers In Newlands Forest
Following a tip off, South African National Parks (SANParks), Sea, Air Mountain (SEAM) rangers conducted a foot patrol through Newlands Forest via the Woodcutter’s Trail where they detected suspicious activity, including chanting and chopping sounds within the forest.
Following the noise, the team discovered four individuals actively stripping bark. Two were seen chopping while the other two packed bark into backpacks. Upon attempting to apprehend the suspects, they fled the scene, abandoning tools and evidence.
A SEAM K9 successfully apprehended one suspect, while two others were caught by rangers. A search of the area uncovered a panga, an axe, and four backpacks containing stripped bark.
The arrested individuals, along with the seized evidence, were transported to Claremont SAPS where they were formally charged.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to protect our natural heritage and enforce laws against illegal resource harvesting within protected areas.