Pretoria - Two suspected rhino poachers were arrested in the N'wanetsi section of the Kruger National Park on Saturday, says South Africa National Parks (SANParks).
Two hunting rifles, ammunition and four fresh rhino horns were discovered during the operation, which involved the Kruger National Park Operation Rhino Task group, comprising rangers, SANParks Environmental Crime Investigation (ECI) and South African Police Services (SAPS).
Also forming part of the coalition of forces involved in the operation were members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Borderline Control Unit currently deployed in the park.
According to SANParks, the search for the poachers started after there were reports of shots being fired and the discovery of two fresh white rhino carcasses with their horns removed.
"During the operation, the joint forces came into contact with a group of suspected poachers where two were arrested and three managed to escape under the cover of darkness back into Mozambique," said SANParks.
William Mabasa; HOD: Public Relations and Communication has commended the work done by the joint security forces.
"We are very saddened by the number of rhinos that are being killed. At the same time we are confident that we are going to turn the tide against rhino poachers. We congratulate the men and women who on a daily basis patrol the park and put their lives at risk to protect our heritage," he said. - SAnews.gov.za
