Skukuza Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two Mozambican nationals, aged 29 and 38, for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as for trespassing within the Kruger National Park.
Picture/Game Ranger
The suspects were caught in the Houtboschrand Ranger area after field rangers picked up tracks belonging to three individuals suspected of poaching.
“They informed their regional ranger of the Marula North section, who immediately dispatched the K9 unit, and they started tracking,” said provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
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To bolster the search, helicopters and tracking hounds were called in. “The field rangers and K-9 unit then reported that they had visuals of the three suspects at around 2.20pm on Thursday, 8 May 2025, at Gorge Block,” Ndubane added.
“The regional ranger then informed the helicopters and hounds, and they made their way to the scene,” as reported by IOL.
As the aerial and ground units converged, two suspects hid in a small bush under an antbear burrow. They were found in possession of a hunting rifle and eleven rounds of ammunition and were arrested at the scene. A third suspect managed to flee and remains at large.
The two are expected to appear before the Skukuza Periodical Court soon.
This arrest also follows the recent sentencing of Elias Sithole, who was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment for poaching-related activities at Kruger National Park.
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