SANParks staffer on rhino poaching rap

A South African National Parks (SANParks) employee has been arrested for alleged involvement in rhino poaching.

In a statement yesterday, SANParks said the armed guard for technical services in the Kruger National Park (KNP) was arrested on Saturday, along with three other suspects who later escaped from police.

SANParks said the arrests came after a SANParks security guard at the Paul Kruger gate noticed four people, who aroused his suspicion entering the park in a vehicle.

The guard notified the South African Police Service officials who were also deployed at the gate at the time and the four suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

“Heavy-calibre rifles, ammunition and poaching-related equipment were recovered.

“Unfortunately, three of the suspects escaped from police custody while being transported and are still at large,” SANParks said.

The remaining suspect has appeared in court and was identified as Absalom Manyike.

He had been stationed at Satara and has been employed by SANParks since 2014.

He will undergo the organisation’s internal disciplinary process in due course.

Managing executive of the Kruger National Park Glenn Phillips commended the guard for being vigilant, but was disappointed some of the suspects escaped from police custody.

“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,” he said.

The three escaped suspects are being hunted. – ANA