KOMATIPOORT – Several suspected poachers were arrested over the weekend of the 13th. The first six suspects were apprehended near Hectorspruit and a search of their vehicle reportedly yielded a high-calibre firearm, ammunition, four knives and an axe. The suspects include a former traffic official and a police reservist.
They are in custody at the Komatipoort Police Station and are set to appear in court.
Six rhino horns were found in a cooler box at a house in Hazyview. No arrests were made, but police are investigating the incident.
Three suspected rhino poachers were arrested in Skukuza and a firearm, ammunition, and poaching equipment were found in their possession.
Two were arrested in the Stolsnek Section of the park after rangers discovered a freshly poached rhino carcass. A rifle, ammunition and hunting equipment were confiscated.
Chief KNP ranger, Mr Nicholus Funda, congratulated all the units involved in the arrests. “Our mission to achieve success in fighting this scourge is based on teamwork and support within all law-enforcement agencies, communities and our neighbouring private reserves. The resultant arrests of 11 individuals in one single day, is a good start to the year. This will demonstrate to the crime syndicates that we are serious about ending this cruel attack on our heritage as a collective, and are determined to protect our fauna and flora,” he stated.
