The 10 alleged poachers arrested, including a South African policeman and a former general of the army in one of neighbouring countries, following a shootout between rangers, police and the suspects on Monday, 23 April 2018.
Two alleged accomplices were shot dead during the shootout. Four fresh rhino horn and five heavy calibre weapons were seized.
“While the death of two alleged poachers is regrettable, the arrest of 10 of their alleged accomplices in this multi-agency driven operation is to be commended.
This success is an indication of the determination of the rangers and investigators on the ground to halt rhino poaching,” says Environmental Affairs Minister Dr Edna Molewa.
“This is a prime example of the successful collaboration between the security forces and SANParks in combating rhino crime,” she said.
The success of preventing rhino poachers is an Integrated Strategic Management Approach in partnership with the Departments of Justice, Police, Defence, Correctional Services and State Security, as well as SANParks and the SA Revenue Service.
“It is only through the commitment of those rangers and security officials working on the ground to combat rhino poaching that we are able to record success such as these arrests. The dedication and hard work of these officials cannot go unrecognised,” said the Minister.
According to SANParks, one of the rhino poachers was from Mozambique.
