A SANParks wilderness trail guide is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today after he was arrested for possession of an illegal hunting rifle near Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park.

According to SANParks spokesperson Isaac Phaahla, the suspect was apprehended yesterday, in an intelligence-driven operation led by the SANParks Environmental Investigative Unit and SAPS Tactical Response Team.

Phaahla states that, while investigations continue, the suspect will also face an internal disciplinary hearing. “While respecting the fact that the employee must be presumed innocent until found guilty, SANParks draws attention to the fact that it always cautions its employees against involving themselves in criminal acts, as the organisation applies a no-nonsense policy.”

He will face charges of possession of an illegal hunting rifle.