Two KwaZulu-Natal field rangers missing
2012-06-24 20:14
Johannesburg - Two KwaZulu-Natal field rangers have gone missing while trying to paddle a canoe they had confiscated, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife says.
Searches throughout the weekend failed to find them, the organisation in a statement.
The rangers were part of a foot patrol of four which spotted four gill nets in Lake Nhlabane, at the Enseleni Nature Reserve, on Friday, it said.
"Nearby was a large canoe that they assumed was for the individual[s] who had put-up the gill nets."
The rangers decided to confiscate the items.
"Two rangers jumped into the canoe as it would have been too heavy to carry it," Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said.
The other two walked to the car park. However, the rangers in the canoe did not arrived to meet them.
Police divers and the dog unit were called in, but searches on Friday and Saturday yielded no results.
On Sunday, a rowing paddle believed to be used by one of the missing field rangers was found.
"Ezemvelo remains resolute that the two rangers are still alive and will not give up the search until contrary information emerges," it said.
- SAPA
