Kruger rhino poachers arrested
2012-11-26 17:09
Mbombela - Two suspected rhino poachers were arrested at the N’wanetsi section of the Kruger National Park (KNP), SA National Parks (SANParks) said on Monday.
They were among a group of five men who were involved in rhino poaching on Saturday, said SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla.
"The arrest came shortly after reports of shots being fired and the discovery of two fresh white rhino carcasses with their horns removed," he said.
The KNP’s Operation Rhino task group composed of rangers, SANParks officials, the SA National Defence Force and police later embarked on an operation to search for the poachers.
During the operation, the joint forces came into contact with five suspicious men. The men tried to flee as they were approached by the joint security forces.
Phaahla said two men were arrested and the other three managed to escape under the cover of darkness back into Mozambique.
Two hunting rifles, ammunition and four rhino horns were recovered during the arrest.
KNP spokesperson William Mabasa commended the work done by the joint security forces.
He said the park was saddened by the number of rhino that were being killed.
"At the same time we are confident that we are going to turn the tide against rhino poachers."
- SAPA
