Field ranger among three suspects arrested in Kruger National Park

Posted on 15 February 2023

A field ranger is among three suspects who were arrested on charges of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition and trespassing in the Kruger National Park on 11 February.

The trio appeared at the Bushbuckride Magistrate’s Court on 13 February.

They were apprehended by SAPS members of the Skukuza Stock Theft Unit following reports of suspicious individuals near the Numbi Gate entry point.

A search at Numbi Gate and Pretoriuskop Section was then carried out with the assistance of a Sanpark helicopter and a white Toyota Hilux driven by a field ranger was stopped and searched.

The team discovered that underneath a tonneau (sail) cover at the back of the bakkie, were two male persons hiding.

further examination revealed a hunting rifle without a serial number as well as about ten live ammunition hidden behind the seat.

‘The three were charged accordingly for possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, whilst two were charged for trespassing into the park. All items, including the vehicle, were seized for investigation and the car is believed to have been used in the commission of crime,’ SAPS said in a statement.

‘Preliminary investigation suggests that Bright Mashele (36), a Field Ranger employed by SANParks allegedly smuggled his two fellows into the park through Numbi Gate. The two were reportedly found hiding behind the said bakkie and they were identified as Collen Mathebula (32) and Casper Mlambo (30).’

ALSO READ: Large pack of wild dogs swim across river in flooded Greater Kruger

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