The South African National Parks (SANParks) announced today that four suspected poachers had been arrested in an intelligence operation, including one park staff member. The arrests took place on Friday 15 January inside the popular game reserve.
Image credit: Barry Tanner
Members of the SANParks Rangers Corps led the intelligence operation with the help of the SANParks Environmental Investigation Unit and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The four suspects were found in possession of a high calibre hunting rifle, two rhino horns and hunting equipment. They had been driving in two cars which have also been confiscated, and SANParks states that further arrests cannot be ruled out at this stage.
CEO of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni says the rangers were sent out in an attempt by the organisation to weed out colleagues and staff members suspected of colluding with outsiders and poachers inside Kruger National Park.
‘We are very disappointed every time a staff member is arrested, it shows that we have wolves clothed in sheep’s clothing who are working against the organisation. I want to warn those who still think they can get away with this betrayal, your day is coming sooner than you think,’ says Mketeni.
Image: Barry Tanner
