Kruger Park veterinarian technician and ranger arrested for rhino poaching

African News Agency (ANA)

Kruger Park veterinarian technician and ranger arrested for rhino poaching
A Kruger National Park Regional Ranger, together with a Veterinarian Technician in the Department of Agricultural and Forestry’s Animal Health Directorate at Skukuza have been arrested for rhino poaching-related offences.

A Kruger National Park Regional Ranger, together with a Veterinarian Technician in the Department of Agricultural and Forestry’s Animal Health Directorate at Skukuza have been arrested for rhino poaching-related offences.

SANParks, in a statement on Thursday, said the arrests were made on Wednesday after rangers were alerted to gunshots and after a pursuit came across a white rhino carcass, two rhino horn and poaching equipment, including a rifle.

“SANParks Rangers were on their normal daily patrol when they heard three gunshots in their area and rushed into the direction of the shots to investigate,” SANParks said.

“As they approached the scene, they saw two men, one in green Ranger uniform and the other one in khaki clothes, running towards the direction of a bakkie which was parked nearby. The Rangers called for assistance as they were chasing the said bakkie which was ultimately blocked at some point by another group of Rangers who were also rushing to the area to assist in the chase.

According to SANParks, the two suspects were arrested, and a fresh white rhino carcass, two horns, a rifle and other poaching equipment recovered.

Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, who was in the KNP at the time of the incident, said: “It is indeed sad and horrible to hear of one of our own has been arrested for rhino poaching-related activities.

“These are the men that are tasked with leading the anti-poaching operations in the park. We, however, applaud our Field Rangers who effected the arrest as difficult as it was for them to arrest their superior. This is evidence of the commitment of our employees to the fight against poaching where ‘no favour nor fear’ is their guiding principle in the war against this scourge.

“We are confident that with this calibre of men and women in our parks, we will win this fight.”

SANParks said the two suspects were still to appear in court.

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SOURCEAfrican News Agency (ANA)