Suspected rhino poachers arrested
SKUKUZA - Four suspected rhino poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on October 15 and 16.
According to SANParks, the first incident occurred on Friday October 15 when rangers followed up on a spoor and startled the suspected poachers sitting under a tree who tried to flee. The rangers quickly rounded up and successfully arrested three people.
“A high-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were seized on the scene. The suspects will appear in court in due course while investigations continue,” said SANParks in a statement.
During a second incident on Saturday October 16, rangers followed up after hearing gunshots and came across two suspected poachers. The one suspect, who had a rifle, was fatally wounded, while the second managed to escape.
Isaac Phaahla, the spokesperson for SANParks, explained that in a situation in which suspects turn firearms on rangers, the rangers will have to retaliate. “This is absolutely the last resort, but if an individual threatens a ranger’s life, they have the right to protect themselves.”
A backpack with two rhino horns was recovered next to the body of the suspect, as well as a high-calibre rifle and poaching equipment. A carcass of a male black rhino was found nearby, and the horns had been hacked from this particular animal.
“We are saddened to have lost a rhino over the weekend, but are encouraged by the brave actions of our multidisciplinary antipoaching teams who successfully took out two rifles from the system and apprehended suspects who are now in custody,” said Gareth Coleman, the managing executive of the KNP.
Meanwhile, the Skukuza Regional Court sentenced Simon Lubisi to an effective 19 years in custody for killing and dehorning a rhino. Lubisi was arrested in the Crocodile Bridge Section with three co-accused while busy dehorning a rhino. One suspect was killed when he shot at rangers and the three accused were apprehended and granted bail upon their appearance before a magistrate. They all absconded, but Lubisi was arrested again in the park and stood trial, resulting in the conviction and sentencing on Thursday October 14.