10/02/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/14TXM1wRjhk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฆ, ๐ช๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ก๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฃ๐ข - Two anti-poaching confrontations in the Kruger National Park led to the seizure of fi****ms and equipment, while a man, wanted since 2024 for rhino poaching, was apprehended in an intelligence-led operation.
In a relentless fight against illicit wildlife crime, including rhino poaching, South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed two recent anti-poaching incidents in the Kruger National Park, underscoring the bravery of its rangers.
In a media statement issued by SANParks yesterday, it said rangers came into contact with suspected poachers on Thursday in the Malelane section of the park.
โWhile no arrests were made, a high-calibre rifle and bags were recovered at the scene"
The seizure of these items represents a significant disruption to poaching activities, said JP Louw, SANParks head of communications and spokesperson, in the statement. In the Stolznek section of the park on Friday, rangers engaged in a second contact.
"One suspect was fatally wounded during the confrontation.โ
These incidents highlight the ongoing dangers faced by rangers in their daily efforts to protect South Africaโs wildlife. The recovery of weapons and equipment demonstrates the effectiveness of ranger patrols and the commitment to safeguarding rhinos from relentless poaching threats, said Louw.
SANParks commended the courage and dedication of its rangers, who continue to put their lives on the line to protect our natural heritage. The fight against poaching remains a priority, and SANParks will continue to intensify operations to ensure the survival of rhinos for future generations.
The two incidents have been handed over to SAPS for investigation.
๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐น๐ผ๐ป๐ด-๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฟ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ผ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐
According to a media statement issued by SAPS this morning, a 56-year-old suspect, Simon Majuta Chauke, who was sought since 2024 for rhino poaching-related offences, is expected to appear in the Modimolle Magistrateโs Court tomorrow.
The suspect faces charges of possession of rhino horn, rhino poaching, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was arrested on Friday, at about 11:30, following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Limpopo Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Modimolle detectives.
The operation targeted the suspect after he failed to appear in court while out on bail for rhino poaching. A warrant of arrest was issued, leading to the suspectโs arrest in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. The suspect was initially arrested on January 29, 2024, after being intercepted at the Kranskop Toll Gate while travelling from Phalaborwa to Gauteng. During the arrest, police recovered a rhino horn concealed inside the vehicle.
Further investigations led police to a farm in Gravellotte, where the rhino carcass was discovered.The hunting rifle and ammunition allegedly used in the commission of the crime were later recovered at Kliprivier near Alberton.
Police investigations are continuing.
Source: the citizen/caxton network news - by caxton reporter
Date: 8 February 2026
๐ท: Photo for illustration purposes only - BMT2016/Pixabay
