Media Release 06 August 2013: A wounded Rhino Poacher suspect is arrested Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Field Rangers (Ezemvelo) had a hectic weekend following what appears to be a well planned rhino poaching attempts which resulted in the arrest of one rhino poaching suspect. On Sunday morning, Ezemvelo Field Rangers who were on foot patrol heard gun shots along the Corridor Road around 2:30 A suspected Ford Bantam Bakkie was seen trying to escape. The Field Rangers attempted to stop the Ford Bantam bakkie which had two occupants, a driver and one man who was sitting at the back, but it sped off. A car chase ensued between the Field Rangers and the Bantam bakkie occupants for about 3 Kilometers. During the chase, gun shots were exchanged between the suspects and Ezemvelo Field Rangers. When the suspects realized that Ezemvelo Rangers were not giving up the chase, they abandoned their bakkie and ran into the nearby bush. The Rangers called for a back-up and all exits were blocked. An aerial and foot search were launched and around 6:30, a badly injured man was caught 200 meters from the Corridor road following the tip-off from the community members who heard the suspect calling for assistance and immediately notified Ezemvelo Field Rangers. A brief interrogation has indicated that the wounded suspect was a driver of a pick-up bantam bakkie. The suspect, who is from Kwa-Hlabisa, Mpembeni area, was taken to a nearby Hospital for medical assistance. He was shot in the stomach and, upon his release from Hospital, he will be charged with a case of attempted murder. MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr. B.M. Radebe who is on an official trip to the US is pleased with the latest arrest and the role played by our rangers. “Without the commitment of these men on the ground, our fight against poachers will not be a success. These men and women lay down their lives to protect the rhino and we salute them for the work they do everyday under trying conditions”, said Dr Radebe. Dr. Bandile Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo has again indicated the importance of community involvement in the fight against rhino poaching. “The latest arrest would not have happened if it was not for the involvement of our community members. The tip-off further indicates that our anti rhino- poaching awareness campaigns are beginning to bear fruit.” Said Dr. Mkhize To date, Ezemvelo has made 35 rhino poaching related arrests. 53 rhinos have been poached in the province. 10 of the 53 were poached in the private game reserves and Community Conservation Areas. The figure may rise following the incident that took place in the early hours of Monday morning involving a double cab bakkie which was seen, on the Corridor Road, driving at a high speed towards Mtubatuba. Ezemvelo Field Rangers had earlier noticed what appeared to be a torch light in the bushes. M/M Media Release: A wounded rhino poacher suspect is arrested For further information contact the Communications Manager, Musa Mntambo on 033 845 1743/ 083 284 9586 or e-mail mntambom@kznwildlife
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 13:46:49 +0000