PoachersUpdate - SAPS APPREHENDS SUSPECTED POACHERS.

22 May 2014: SANParks today congratulated the SAPS who intercepted a group of suspected poachers who were on their way to the iconic Kruger National Park, possibly to illegally hunt rhino.

The suspect’s vehicle was spotted by the SAPS on the N4 who followed the car to the Malelane main gate and managed to stop it.

Four male suspects who were ...in the car were arrested, a .303 hunting rifle, nine rounds of ammunition and poaching equipment was seized. The car in which they were driving in was also confiscated as it could help in further investigations. There is a strong suspicion that the group might be responsible for other poaching incidents in the KNP, including the rhino at Phabeni that was left alive after its horns were hacked off.

The four suspects are in custody while the police continue with their investigations.

In a separate incident, Crocodile Bridge Rangers made contact with a group of three suspected poachers earlier this morning. Two of the suspects were fatally wounded in the ensuing shootout and one managed to escape. A hunting rifle, a pair of horns and poaching equipment was seized.

The arrests bring to 57 the number of people arrested in connection with poaching this year, with the KNP having lost 266 animals

Enquiries: Ike Phaahla: Media Specialist, Tel:012 426 5315 Cell :083 673 6974 or Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org