Call of nature trips up poacher
2007-11-19 19:14
Johannesburg - A notorious poacher was caught with his pants down in the Kruger National Park, the park announced on Monday.
Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers and special investigators from SA National Parks (SANParks), Corporate Investigation Service (CIS), arrested the poacher on Sunday after a massive six day hunt.
The man was caught while urinating, the park said.
"We are overjoyed that our people have been able to arrest this particular poacher, who is often described as having being a real thorn in the KNP's flesh for many years," said the park's managing executive Bandile Mkhize.
Previous arrests
The man is linked to a number of rhino poaching incidents.
He was previously arrested on a number of occasions in Mozambique by border police and rangers from the Limpopo National Park.
Last week, SANparks law enforcers and the park's field rangers conducted long-range bush patrols after hearing the poacher would be back at Kruger National Park.
"Members of the CIS team found the suspect answering the call of nature.
"A shootout ensued and the suspect was slightly injured."
He was arrested on various poaching charges.
"Police have confiscated two rhino horns, a .458 rifle, a backpack with two Okapi knives, a panga and various other items, "said the park.
Having now been caught red-handed in SA territory, "the full weight of South African anti-poaching law can be dealt out to him", said Mkhize.
- SAPA