According to SANParks acting CEO, Abe Sibiya, the three employees based in the Lower Sabie area were found with a hunting rifle, ammunition, vehicle and poaching equipment during the arrest. He said the arrest came shortly after the discovery of a freshly killed rhino in the Lower Sabie section of the park.
"The SANParks and SAPS officials who effected the arrests are congratulated for their outstanding work. These arrests send a strong message that officials alleged to be involved in poaching will be arrested and face the full might of the law," said Sibiya.
According to Sibiya, the park has been under tremendous pressure from poachers, as it is home to over 80% of the global population of both white and black rhino that still roam in the wild. "It is unfortunate that those trusted with the well-being of these animals are alleged to have become the destroyers of the same heritage that they have a mandate to protect."
