The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her appreciation for the arrest of two alleged poachers who were found in possession of a hunting rifle with ammunition inside the Kruger National Park recently. The two appeared at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 April 2022 where they were remanded in custody until 04 May 2022.
According to the information, it is reported that poachers entered the park through Lower Sabi Section on Friday, 22 April 2022. The alleged intruders were then spotted by the field rangers and a search was instituted where resources were mobilized, including a tracker dog and a helicopter which assisted a lot. Finally, two male suspects were sniffed out of their hiding place in the thick bushes at around 13h30. Two bags, a knife, and a hunting rifle with a silencer as well as live ammunition were confiscated from the two men during their capture.
Police at Skukuza were notified about the incident and upon their arrival, the two were arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, and for possession of a dangerous weapon (knife) as well as trespassing.
The suspects have since been identified as Patrick Nguntshane (32) and Freddie Mahlaule (48) who is originally from the country of Mozambique hence police are working in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs to determine his status in the country and more charges may be added with regard to a contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. Their case was postponed for further investigation meanwhile they remain in custody.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further welcomed the impact that is being made in tackling poaching. “We hope by now everyone is aware that whoever attempts to poach inside the park will be caught and brought to book” said the General.