South African National Parks (SANParks) said in a statement that the past week proved to be one of the busiest weeks for anti-poaching units in the Kruger National Park (KNP) with as many as three heavily armed groups of suspected poachers detected by Rangers in the iconic park.
According to SANParks spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, th...e week saw Rangers chasing and successfully apprehending a number of armed-to-the-teeth suspected poachers leading to the successful arrest of more than six suspects over the weekend.
He said these follow the arrests of two SANParks employees on Monday, 7 April 2014 on suspicion of poaching, bringing a total of arrests relating to suspected poaching to eight. The two SANParks men appeared in the White River Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 9 April, where their case was remanded to 16 April 2014 for a formal bail application.
Thakhuli said that most of the incidents of the past week were in the southern part of the park in areas such as Crocodile Bridge, Kingfisherspruit, Tshokwane and Stolsnek.
He said on Thursday, 10 April 2014, Rangers from Crocodile Bridge apprehended a group of two suspected poachers leaving the park. The two suspects, believed to be Zimbabwean nationals, were arrested on the spot. A G3 military type rifle, silencer and ammunition were recovered.
On Friday, 11 February 2014, Rangers from the Kingfisherspruit area apprehended a group of two suspected rhino poachers, leading to the arrest of one of the armed suspects. A .458 rifle, silencer, ammunition and poaching equipment were recovered. The second suspect managed to escape arrest.
Tshokwane Rangers apprehended two suspected rhino poachers on Saturday, 12 April 2014. One suspect was arrested and a .375 hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were recovered. The second suspect managed to escape back to Mozambique.
Sunday, 13 April 2014 was a very busy day for Stolsnek Rangers when they apprehended a group of five suspected rhino poachers. Two of the suspects were arrested with the help of SANParks Airwing and canine units. The hunt is still on for the remaining three suspects who managed to escape.
Thakhuli said the proactive actions of everyone involved had finally paid off and that the possibility of more arrests will not be ruled out as follow up investigations are underway. “This is a clear indication that resilience and patience pays off and we are grateful that no lives were lost during an encounter with these heavily armed suspected poachers.”
He said the Anti-poaching units are ready for this coming long weekend with many deployments routes being plotted out, particularly in hot spots. “We are not resting this coming weekend as we believe there are quite few poaching incidents being planned by poachers. We will be ready and waiting for them and we would like to request the support and cooperation of all members of society in identifying and reporting suspicious behavior that could lead to the apprehension and conviction of these criminals.”
Issued by:
South African National Parks Corporate Communications
Verity and Dean Cherry had an African dream in 1999 and started Nhongo Safaris® to eliminate the logistical challenges of international visitors on safari. We provide a once in a lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiast that demand quality overnight safaris in South Africa and most particularly the Kruger National Park. We want to enrich our visitors’ experience by providing Luxury Safari Packages or African Safari Holidays and maintain our position as leader in Kruger Park Safaris.
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