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Three suspected poachers shot dead in KNP

 

Anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park led to the death of three suspected poachers and the arrest of nine more suspects the past weekend.

In a media statement released on Monday, SANParks confirmed that their rangers, with the help of the SANDF (South African National Defence Force), made their first arrest on Friday. Three suspects, of which one was identified as a recently retired Frelimo commander, were caught. The commander was allegedly kitted out in full camouflage at the time of his arrest. Rangers confiscated a high-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition, poaching equipment and a fresh set of rhino horns.

The following day, rangers, with the help of a dog detector unit, tracked down another three suspected poachers and subsequently arrested them. "On the same day rangers also managed to arrest two additional suspects. Unfortunately, one suspected poacher was fatally wounded in the armed engagement," the statement said.

On Sunday, another shootout took place between rangers and two suspected poachers. "One of the suspects was fatally wounded during the contact and the other one was wounded and arrested. A heavy-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition, poaching equipment and two fresh rhino horns were recovered at the scene," SANParks said.

Almost at the same time, rangers caught up with another group of suspected poachers. The three suspects opened fire, with the rangers returning fire. One of the suspects was fatally wounded while the other two managed to escape. A hunting rifle, poaching equipment and ammunition were recovered at the scene

Later on Sunday, a member of the police stationed at Skukuza was also arrested for his alleged involvement with rhino poaching activities in the park.

News - Date: 26 April 2018

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]

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