Suspected poacher shot, arrested for allegedly trespassing in Kruger National Park
A man was shot and arrested while allegedly trespassing in the Kruger National Park.
A second person fled.
Police found a hunting rifle, ammunition and an axe at the scene.
A suspected poacher was wounded and arrested while allegedly trespassing in the Kruger National Park.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the 47-year-old man was arrested in the Xitsalaleni Block on Monday.
'The regional ranger of the Marula North Section in Kruger National Park was alerted by field rangers from the Houtboschrand area, who had picked up tracks of two individuals inside the park,' said Ndubane.
'The regional ranger immediately dispatched the K9 Unit to follow the tracks and requested helicopter support from Skukuza, along with hounds on standby.'
The K9 Unit tracked the people and during the encounter, one person was shot, said Ndubane.
The second person fled.
'The injured suspect was found in possession of a hunting rifle, six rounds of ammunition, and an axe. Skukuza police were contacted, and the suspect was arrested and transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He is currently under police guard in the hospital,' said Ndubane.
The man is expected to appear in the Masoyi Periodical Court on charges of illegal hunting and trespassing.
READ | Former ranger sacked 4 years ago nabbed for poaching while wearing his old uniform
'Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges, as the suspect is undocumented and believed to be in the country illegally,' Ndubane added.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi praised the collaboration between rangers and police.
'Rangers and police will continue working tirelessly to ensure the park remains safe from poachers. The Kruger National Park is a vital part of our heritage, a source of learning for future generations, and an important contributor to our provincial economy through tourism. We will not allow anyone to destroy what we treasure,' said Mkhwanazi.
The arrest comes only a week after Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George said 103 rhinos were poached in the first three months of the year.
The latest statistics indicate that an average of 34.33 rhinos are killed per month during the first quarter of the year.
George said the figure was close to the average monthly poaching rate of 35 rhinos over the previous 12 months (420 rhinos annually).
During the same period, there were 15 poaching-related arrests.
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