A Kruger National Park ranger has been arrested in connection with a rifle that had disappeared in Skukuza a few weeks ago.

According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the 37-year-old suspect was coincidently arrested on World Ranger Day, July 31, in a sting operation following information gathered by SANParks.

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“Upon receiving such crucial information, members of the Mpumalanga Tactical Response Team and a team specialising with cash-in-transit heists swiftly followed the leads, which originated from Skukuza. Through meticulous questioning and investigative efforts, one of the rangers was identified as a suspect. The rifle was later uncovered with about 18 pieces of ammunition hidden inside a ceiling in a house in Hluvukani near Thulamahashe in the Bushbuckridge area. It is believed that the recovered rifle could be the one that law enforcement agencies were looking for,” Mdhluli said.

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He said the suspect is currently in police custody and could face charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition, as well as other relevant charges that may arise in the investigation, of which theft cannot be ruled out. “As per standard procedure, the firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere. The suspect will appear in court soon,” Mdhluli said.