Four held for rhino poaching

Four men have been arrested for poaching rhino in the Kruger National Park, SA National Parks (SANParks) said on Thursday.

 

"The arrests took place in two different sections of the park amid latest statistics released yesterday [Wednesday] of 321 rhinos having been poached in the park this year alone," spokesman Ike Phaahla said.

 

Three men were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, in the Olifants section. They were found in possession of an AK-47 assault rifle with ammunition, and an axe. Another man was shot and wounded in the park's Houtboschrand section on Wednesday.

 

"A shoot-out ensued and one poacher was wounded and arrested at the scene. Unfortunately the other two managed to escape back into Mozambique."

 

A .458 hunting rifle, ammunition, and poaching equipment were confiscated. Sixty-seven people had been arrested for poaching in the Kruger National Park since the beginning of the year.

 

- Sapa