High-profile poaching arrest made in Kruger National Park

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Danette Breitenbach

In an intelligence-driven anti-poaching operation on 1 May, a former SANParks employee was arrested on poaching charges. The high-profile arrest was made in the Tshokwane Section of the Kruger National Park, along with the individual's accomplice. The suspect is a former corporal in the rangers services and was dismissed in 2014 after a disciplinary process on unrelated charges. A high caliber hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were recovered on the scene.

Reacting to the arrests, managing executive of the Kruger National Park Glenn Phillips said, “We are proud of the work done by all involved in this operation while the world was celebrating International Workers' Day. We have been after this particular individual for some time now, and we are happy that he has been captured and we will wait for the law to take its course. We call on the justice system to consider the severe damage that is being done by criminals, not only to the sustainability of our rhino populations but also the long term threat to the tourism industry of this country and mete out harsh sentences.”

The suspects will appear in court in due course as soon as charges have been formally filed.

In another operation on 2 May, Malelane Rangers, supported by the KNP K9 Unit and the Airwing made contact with two suspected poachers in a follow up operation. The suspects were arrested and a heavy caliber hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were recovered at the scene.