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South African National Parks has announced the arrest of 12 suspected rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park since Thursday, April 19.
On April 20, KNP rangers arrested three suspects in possession of a heavy calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and a fresh set of rhino horns.
The following day, a further three suspected poachers were tracked down by the K9 unit and apprehended. The suspects had a rifle and ammunition in their possession. Additionally, two more suspects were arrested by rangers. One suspect was fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire during the arrest.
On April 22, in two separate incidents, five suspects were identified by KNP rangers. Two were fatally wounded by gunfire during the arrests, and two managed to escape. In one case, two fresh rhino horns were discovered. In both incidents the suspects were found with heavy calibre hunting rifles, ammunition and poaching equipment.
Finally, an SAPS member based at the Skukuza Police Station was apprehended on suspicion of being involved in rhino poaching. The suspect remains in custody.
Managing Executive of KNP, Glenn Phillips said he was encouraged to know that there were such dedicated teams of rangers who faced this pressure every day and continued to work to protect animals against poaching. “We need to match the efforts of these gallant men and women in uniform outside of our parks if we are to make serious inroads against the criminal syndicates.”
Source: tourismupdate.co.za