NELSPRUIT – Two SANParks staff members will appear in White River’s Magistrate’s Court tomorrow on charges of alleged poaching.SANParks issued a statement earlier today in which it stated that, in a SANParks driven operation, with support from South African Police Services (SAPS), two of its own staff members based in the Kruger National Park (KNP) were arrested late Monday afternoon, on suspicion of having been involved in poaching activity during the weekend.According to SANParks’ Acting CEO, Mr Abe Sibiya the two employees are not attached to the ranger corp units within the park, “but are definitely employees of the organisation”.Sibiya said the strategies being employed in the fight against rhino poaching are not only focused on external forces, but also within our own ranks. “We will not leave any stone unturned and this should send out a stern warning to those who are conspiring with poachers that we will deal with them decisively and swiftly.“The suspects are presumed innocent until they are convicted, but we are following very strong leads. We are constantly on the alert and that is what led to the arrests of these two individuals,” added Sibiya.He said the use of advanced technology now in place in the iconic park also led to the breakthrough in apprehending these alleged suspects. “This advanced technology made possible through funds donated by the public, various corporations and foundations is assisting in building the much needed intelligence in the fight against poaching.”SANParks would like to commend our own colleagues in the Ranger corps and ECI including the SAPS and SANDF who continue to take the fight to the intruders and killers of our heritage.“A lot of work is underway to stabilize the situation and we are confident that the collective interventions by all law-enforcement local and international agencies will eventually curb or reduce, if not stop, rhino poaching altogether,” Sibiya concluded.• This is not the first time that SANParks employees have been arrested for alleged poaching. Five other employees, including two former field rangers, are currently standing trial for allegedly poaching two rhinos in 2012.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 04:35:43 +0000
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