SANParks recently announced it would enhance surveillance at all Kruger National Park (KNP) entry gates as part of its festive season crime prevention drive.

According to the KNP’s spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, increased spot checks of vehicles inside the park will root out possibilities of contraband and verify occupant identity and booking receipts.

Other technologies in use include vehicle number plate recognition, remote vehicle monitoring and radar surveillance.

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“In addition, there will be increased ranger and security services patrols and the use of dedicated dog units supported by free-running tracking hounds. The KNP also continues to implement its integrity management plan, which includes polygraph testing and supporting investigations. The SANParks Environmental Crime Investigation Unit will work with other law enforcement agencies to improve crime intelligence in the surrounding areas,” he said.

Phaahla also said that they will be working hard with local communities to create a culture in which ‘no bad deed goes unpunished’ and criminals are brought to book.

The ongoing collaboration with the Mozambican authorities continues to yield positive results, as some of the crime kingpins are now behind bars.

“Regular meetings, operation planning and sharing of intelligence have resulted in successful arrests of poachers. These security measures will also respond to the recent spike in poaching, especially snaring and poisoning, which is indiscriminate and hugely negatively impacting. There has been an increase in snaring inside the park, which really is the most heinous crime resulting in the slow and painful killing of animals,” said Phaahla.

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He added that the SANParks Honorary Rangers have assisted the rangers with snare removal campaigns, removing up to 1 000 snares from the KNP boundary in the past quarter.

Collaborations with the private sector, the SAPS, provincial government departments, local municipalities and private security companies alongside routes leading to the KNP are in place and have yielded positive results thus far.

Visitors are advised to be security-conscious when checking in at the gates, ensure their cars are locked and checking surrounding areas for signs of any suspicious behaviour.