Police arrest 'high value' poacher

Police have arrested an alleged rhino poacher in a village near the Kruger National Park, SA National Parks (SanParks) said on Wednesday.

 

The arrest of the "high value individual" followed extensive investigation by a special police unit. The man was detained on Tuesday in Cork Trust village, SanParks spokesman Ike Phaahla said.

 

"The arrested individual... is suspected to be part of an active group of poachers operating in the Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves," Phaahla said in a statement. Police recovered what was thought to be rhino body parts, a SanParks field ranger's uniform, hunting equipment, guns and ammunition.

 

In a separate incident, three alleged poachers were arrested after a shoot-out with rangers in the Malelane section of the park. One of alleged poachers was shot and wounded. Police recovered weapons and various hunting equipment.

                 

-Sapa