November 13, 2009;
MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 17
SUSPECTED POACHERS ARRESTED
For Immediate release:
For Immediate release:
Acting on information the EKZNW rangers, consisting of staff from both Hluhluwe and iMfolozi sections as well as the iMfolozi Anti-poaching Unit, set up observation posts along the R618 road where it enters the Park on the eastern side.
At about 10.00 the waiting rangers saw a vehicle stop just outside the boundary of the Park and saw three men get out and walk towards the point where the R618 enters the Park.
The three men apparently became suspicious and moved back to their vehicle at which point the rangers went after them.
After a short but hectic chase involving the suspects’ vehicle and EKZNW vehicles, the suspects’ vehicle was forced to a halt between the Kangala Store and Mawombe High School still on the R618 about four km from the Park boundary.
One of the suspects, who was seen to be carrying a pistol, jumped from the back of the moving vehicle, an Isuzu van, and managed to escape, while the two men sitting in the cab were arrested.
They were found to be in possession of an unlicensed rifle of very old manufacture, rounds of .357 magnum ammunition as well as an axe.
The two suspects were taken to the KwaMsane Police Station and charged with the illegal possession of an unlicenced fire-arm and ammunition.
“This is another most encouraging example of the dedication of the field staff in our protected areas,” said Mr Sifiso Kheswa, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Acting Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation.
“I commend all staff involved in this incident, and reiterate our warning to those who would plunder our wildife resources that they do so at their peril,” he added.
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.
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