LOWER SABIE – A successful weekend of anti-poaching activities in the Kruger National Park (KNP) ended in tragedy when a field ranger died in an apparent accidental shooting on Monday.
No further details on the incident have been released but police are conducting an investigation.
SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni said that they “are saddened by the death of one of our hard working colleagues and pass our sincerest condolences to his family and his associates.”
“This is a big blow to the Rangers Corps, the SANParks family and the anti-poaching campaign. However, we will continue where he left off to ensure the safety of our natural assets.”
On Sunday, three suspected poachers were arrested by rangers and the Pretoriuskop K9 unit. A .458 rifle with a silencer, ammunition, an axe, other poaching equipment and fresh rhino horns were recovered.
Shortly afterwards, rangers made contact with two suspected poachers at Stolznek. One was arrested, while the other escaped. A .458 rifle with a silencer, ammunition and other poaching equipment was confiscated.
Four suspected rhino poachers were arrested in a ranger-driver campaign outside the KNP, with the support of SAPS National Intervention Unit. Two rhino horns, poaching equipment, ammunition and a heavy calibre rifle were seized.
Crocodile Bridge rangers also arrested a suspected poacher in possession of a heavy calibre rifle and ammunition during a follow-up operation.
“We are proud of the work that is being done by our colleagues in the field. This shows the commitment and dedication to their task. We are also grateful that most come back safe to continue the campaign on behalf of all South Africans and visitors who come to see the magnificent rhinos in their natural habitat. We will continue where our colleagues who have succumbed to their injuries in the line of duty have left off. To the poachers, be warned, we have eyes all over the park and we will catch you and take your freedom away,” Mketeni said.
