Six arrests made in Kruger National Park
Six suspected poachers were arrested yesterday, 7 October, in the Kruger National Park. Over 500 rhinos have been lost to poachers this year alone.
The first arrest took place in Kingfisherspruit when patrolling rangers made contact with three suspected poachers. They called for support and the SAPS helicopter was despatched as well as the Special Operations Unit of the SANParks Rangers Corps. Three suspects were apprehended and found to be in possession of a .458 rifle, ammunition and an axe.
In the second incident, rangers in the Crocodile Bridge Section made contact with three suspected poachers. They followed the spoor and called for helicopter backup - the three suspects were then apprehended. They were in possession of a .375 hunting rifle, ammunition and an axe.
Congratulating his men on a job well done, the Commanding Officer SANParks, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said he is glad that the dedication from his team is not wearing thin and that they continue making inroads. "Every individual we arrest, and all the weaponry we confiscate from the suspects, gives us more energy and hope that one day, we will be able to contain and start rolling back this onslaught," concluded Jooste.
