More alleged poachers intercepted

6 Jun 2011

On Friday, 3 June 2011 at around 10h00, two alleged poachers were apprehended in the Kruger National Park at Ndololwanini area. One of the alleged suspected poachers armed with an AK47 allegedly pointed the soldiers on foot patrol with the rifle, was shot and wounded on the right foot. Suspects were handed to the South African Police Force of the Skukuza area. They had in their possession an AK47, with a magazine and twenty three rounds, CZ550 hunting rifle, nine rounds, axe, knife and three rhino horns.

In a separate incident on Sunday, 5 June 2011, at 00h30, a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Company, together with the South African Police Force members conducted a planned operation in and around Belfast Trust in KwaZulu-Natal province (KNP), where two alleged suspect poachers were arrested. It is alleged that these suspects have been involved in poaching activities in an around the KNP area during the month of May 2011. Since the return of the SANDF to the borders in April 2010, several successes have been recorded.

In the case where rhino-poaching manifests as a cross-border crime activity, the SANDF will act within the framework of its present mandate as per the Defence Act of 2002 Section 18(1)(d).

The SANDF contributes and plays a very critical role in the curbing of rhino-poaching as part of their support to SAN Parks along the Kruger National Park which borders the neighbouring countries.

The Constitution stipulates that the SANDF shall protect the territorial integrity and safeguarding the sovereignty of the republic. In this regard, the SANDF is in the Kruger National Park to ensure that this mandate is carried out.

Statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Marinda Meyer, Department of Defence, June 6 2011

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