He’s part of the government’s anti poaching campaign Operation Corona, at Kruger National Park, that has been the highlight of rhino poaching.
According to The Daily Mail, Prince Harry joined a military army on night patrols in Kruger Park reserve. He was on patrol when the shoot-out incident took place last Wednesday, as rangers confronted three poachers at Crocodile River.
SANparks said: “The rangers encountered three suspected poachers; a shoot-out ensued during which one poacher was wounded.”
All three suspects were arrested. Two hunting rifles, silencers, ammunition and other poaching equipment were confiscated.
In a follow-up investigation later in the same day outside the park a further five suspects were arrested in a joint operation between SANParks Rangers and the SAPS.
The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, has welcomed the arrests saying, “Just a week after commemorating World Ranger Day, I want to again commend our rangers for their hard work together with other law enforcement units including the South African Police Service (SAPS).”
Since the start of 2015 a total of 223 suspected poachers have been arrested in the country, of which 129 were arrested in the Kruger National Park.
Molewa said the arrests were “a clear indication that resilience and dedication pays off” and that the department was grateful that no lives were lost.
SANParks and the South African conservation fraternity continues to request the support and cooperation of all members of society in identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour that could lead to the arrest of suspected poachers.
Tourists can report any incidents they spot in the park on the SANParks Emergency Call Centre numbers 013 735 5516 / 076 801 9679.
It is unknown how long The Prince is in the country.
