Parks guard on poaching charge

A SA National Parks (SANParks) employee has been arrested after allegedly being involved in rhino poaching activities.

SANParks yesterday said Absalom Manyike, an armed guard for technical services at Kruger National Park, was arrested along with three other suspects who later escaped.

The arrest came after the park’s security guard, deployed at the Paul Kruger gate, noticed four suspicious persons entering the park in a vehicle. He notified the police. “Heavy-calibre rifles, ammunition and poachingrelated equipment were recovered. Unfortunately, three of the suspects managed to escape from police custody while being transported and are currently still at large,” SANParks said.

Manyike has appeared in court. He worked at the park since 2014, and will also be facing an internal disciplinary process.

Managing executive of the Kruger National Park Glenn Phillips commended the Protection Services for being vigilant.

“We are glad that we have removed a betrayer from our ranks and will wait for justice to take its course. This should serve as a warning to all staff members who are assisting criminals: we will come after you and the consequence is that you will lose your job and go to jail for a long period,” said Phillips.

Investigations are still ongoing and attempts are being made to arrest the three escaped suspects.