13 suspected rhino poachers arrested
The South African National Parks (SANParks) says 13 suspected poachers, including a police officer and an environmental monitor have been arrested during three different operations at the Kruger National Park (KNP).
“It was a group of five poachers who tried to enter as guests. Through our search system we managed to find out that they were actually not ordinary visitors, they were here for a mission,” says Mabasa.
He says a group of six was also arrested and ammunition was confiscated rifles.
“A group of six were arrested at the Phalaborwa gate, they were found in possession of a high calibre rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment. The sad part about these arrests is that the first incident includes a police officer and this one a KNP environmental
monitor.
Mabasa says two other suspects, who were already inside the park, were also taken into custody.
He says a field ranger was shot and injured in the foot during the arrests, but his injuries are not life threatening.