Two field rangers arrested in the Kruger National Park

Two field rangers have been arrested on charges related to fraud, money laundering and corruption.

This follows an extensive investigation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks), with support from the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.

In a statement by South African National Parks (SANParks) on Saturday, it said the arrests form part of an ongoing external investigation and no further details are available at this time.

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Kruger National Park (KNP) managing executive, Gareth Coleman, said it is unfortunate that some KNP employees are alleged to have become involved in illegal activities.

“We are proud of the teamwork and dedication of our rangers corps, our aviators, K9 Units and Environmental Crime Investigation (ECI) Unit, and our partners in other law enforcement agencies who execute their responsibilities in extremely difficult conditions,” said Coleman.

“As these arrests indicate, law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring our actions. When employees are exposed it has far reaching consequences for themselves, their families and their own communities,” he said.

“Only through discipline, honesty and teamwork, combined with the desire to serve the people of our country selflessly, will we be able to stem the tide of rhino poaching in KNP” Coleman said.

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