On Wednesday 24 July South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the arrests of nine suspected poachers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) since 20 July 2019.
The arrests were made in three different areas within the Park, all rhino-poaching hotspots. Arrests were made after three suspects were found with heavy calibre hunting rifles, ammunition and poaching equipment in each of the park’s Crocodile Bridge Section, Letaba and Tshokwane regions.
Image: South African Wildlife College
The three arrests were effected with support from the K9 and Airwing teams.
SANParks expressed its appreciation of the K9 units, especially seeing that one dog was lost, and was fortunately found later, unharmed. ‘These magnificent animals are valuable and have become a big game-changer in the anti-poaching campaign,’ the organisation said in a statement. ‘They are part of the Rangers Corps family and contribute to the success rate of arrests in the anti-poaching campaign.’
KNP Managing Executive Glenn Phillips commended the hard work of the Rangers Corps, Airwing and K9 Units, saying ‘We are proud of your achievements in the recent past, we salute your commitment and bravery to this campaign. We are happy that it [the tracker dog] was found unharmed even though it was dehydrated and drained.’
Despite all these alarming findings over such a brief period, SANParks wishes to focus on its staff and rangers’ proficiency, and hopes the incidents will serve as a ‘morale-booster’ to all rangers ahead of International World Ranger Day on Wednesday 31 July.
Image: South African Wildlife College
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