Four rhino poaching suspects were arrested over the weekend at Kruger National Park (KNP) in an intelligence driven operation.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that one of the alleged poachers was a staff member.
Sadly, news of rangers and security hired to protect endangered species and betraying their positions has become commonplace.
“We are very disappointed every time a staff member is arrested, it shows that we have wolves clothed in sheep’s clothing who are working against the organization,” Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, said in a statement, further explaining that this was the result of an operation that was initiated to root out staff members who are colluding with outside people to poach animals in the KNP.
According to the South African Police Service, which assisted in the case, the four men, ranging from 23-years-old and aged between 47-years-old, were found in possession of a “freshly cut” set of rhino horns, a hunting rifle, and ammunition. They were immediately arrested with all the exhibits, including two vehicles that were confiscated.
As per a post on SAPS Facebook page, SANparks officials received information about the four suspects who were reportedly about to exit the Park, traveling in two vehicles. The officials stopped the culprits, with the assistance of a SANparks chopper that had to land on the road in order to block the fleeing men’s vehicles.
The suspects are scheduled to appear today at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court, each is facing charges of illegal hunting, possession of a hunting rifle and ammunition without a license, as well as trespassing charges, among others.
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