Pretoria – Six suspected poachers were arrested in two separate incidents at Kruger National Park on Tuesday, the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.
Three suspects were found to be in possession of a .458 rifle, ammunition and an axe.
In the second incident, another three suspected poachers were found in possession of a .375 hunting rifle, ammunition and an axe.
“The park has been under tremendous pressure from illegal hunters and has already lost over 500 of these magnificent animals to poachers this year alone,” SANParks spokesman Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli said.
SANParks Commanding Officer Major General, Johan Jooste, said he was glad that the dedication from his team was not wearing thin.
“Every individual we arrest and all the weaponry we confiscate from the suspects gives us more energy and hope that one day, we will be able to contain and start rolling back this onslaught,” Jooste said. – SAnews.gov.za
