Brave ranger arrests ‘poachers’

OPERATION: FIVE HEAVILY-ARMED MEN HELD AFTER DISCOVERY OF TWO RHINO CARCASSES

Vehicle in which they were travelling was impounded for further investigation.

Aheroic ranger single-handedly apprehended a gang of five heavily-armed suspected rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Saturday.

This after an intelligence-driven operation in the Malalane section of the park resulted in the arrest of five men suspected of poaching two rhinos.

Ike Phaahla, general manager of communications for the KNP, said they were grateful that the ranger was not injured during this brave act.

“We are grateful for his bravery, but even more grateful that no harm came to him.”

He added that the suspects were in possession of five fresh rhino horns, a high-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment. The vehicle in which they were travelling, a kombi, has also been impounded for further investigation.

Phaahla was saddened that the arrests came after the poachers had already killed at least two rhinos, rather than before, when they could have been stopped before firing a single shot.

“The arrests followed the discovery of two fresh rhino carcasses. The dead animals had been covered with grass and twigs to try and hide them from sight and delay their discovery,” said Phaala.

The section ranger immediately deployed his rangers around the area.

“He spotted the kombi with two visible passengers and three others who were hiding not far from where the carcasses were discovered.”

When confronted and stopped, the driver produced a permit for two people. The ranger instructed him to get out of the vehicle with his hands in the air, and opened the rear door to expose the other armed passengers.