Six suspected poachers arrested in one month in Kruger National Park
SANParks says weapons were confiscated, adding that the suspects were arrested before shooting any animals.
A ranger walks behind the carcass of a black rhino on Tuesday 4 August 2015 that was poached on Friday night at 12 in the Kruger National Park. Rangers heard the shots and after gunfire ensued one suspect was wounded and apprehended but his two accomplices escaped with the rhino horn. The wounded suspect reportedly died a while later. Picture: Christine Vermooten
SANParks has announced three successful operations in the Kruger National Park (KNP), after it was announced that six suspected poachers were arrested there since the beginning of October, reports Mpumalanga News.
“Three heavy-caliber hunting rifles were confiscated during the operations and the majority of the suspects were arrested before shooting any animals,” said Ike Phaahla, spokesperson of SANParks.
“In the same period there were no elephants poached, despite 55 recorded poacher activities.”
ALSO READ: 366 alleged rhino poachers arrested in Kruger National Park since start of 2018
Phaahla attributes the successful operations to the dedication and efficiency of the Ranger Corps, closely supported by rapid reaction K9, aircraft units and applied hi-tech detection technologies.
The CEO of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, has commended all those involved in the operations.
“We are still miles away from being on top of this campaign, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“Our investment in technology and intelligence gathering means the risk to poachers has increased, and they know that if we pick up their spoor, they will lose their freedom,” Mketeni said, adding that the Ranger Corps, K9 and Airwing units are constantly refining their coordinated approach to counter any threat posed by poaching syndicates.
Mketeni urged communities to continue providing vital information to assist in curbing the scourge of poaching.
He warned criminals that they are constantly under scrutiny and will soon end up behind bars if they do not stop their illegal activities.
He cautioned communities to stop supporting the bush meat trade, which has caused an increase in snares found in the KNP.
All arrested suspects are detained at the Skukuza Police Station and will appear in court soon.
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