Suspected poachers in custody

COLLABORATIVE cross-border antipoaching efforts by rangers from the Limpopo National Park (LNP) in Mozambique and Kruger National Park (KNP) in South Africa have led to the arrest of two suspected rhino poachers.

They were found with a rifle and two sets of rhino horns, according to Peace Parks Foundation spokesperson Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet.

The KNP had reported hearing shots fired close to the Mozambique border, and requested assistance from the LNP to monitor activity on their side, said Greeff-Villet.

“The parks work closely on crossborder counter-poaching efforts as part of agreements to jointly protect and develop the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

“In order to simplify this, the Peace Parks Foundation supported the implementation and standardisation of a digital radio network that enables integrated communication between teams on both sides of the border,” she said.

The team was dispatched from the closest LNP field ranger post to meet their counterparts from the KNP.

“Following up on the information received, the teams found two rhino carcasses right on the border.

“On scanning the area, the team detected tracks leading further into the LNP and immediately went on a pursuit that led them more than 60km through the park.

“The rangers were able to track and anticipate what the poachers’ next moves would most likely be. Accordingly, ambushes were set up along key exit routes while the trackers were pursuing the poachers from behind,” said Greeff-Villet.

During the morning, a suspect with two sets of rhino horns was detained.

“This subsequently led to the further apprehension of his partner who was carrying the rifle allegedly used to kill the rhinos.

“The suspects were taken in to be processed,” she said.

The foundation said intensified anti-poaching operations within the LNP, combined with improved aerial capability of a helicopter with the kind support of the Dyck Advisory Group and the Geos Foundation and a central command for operations, had achieved significant results in disrupting poaching.

Earlier this week, spotters reported smoke that was seen wafting through riverine forest along the Shingwedzi River.

Ranger forces were dropped in the area by helicopter and found a meat camp with two buffalo carcasses.

Two suspects were caught, and further arrests are imminent.

A day later, an LNP anti-poaching unit disrupted the plans of three suspected poachers near the KNP border after tracking them for 20km.

The suspects – who would have entered the KNP that night with moonrise – scattered, but left behind their valuable kit, including their firearm.