December 28, 2009;
MEDIA RELEASE NUMBER: 2009 - 28
SUSPECTED POACHER SHOT IN IMFOLOZI
For Immediate release:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) reports that two suspected rhino poachers were wounded and one killed in an exchange of gunfire with Field rangers in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in the evening of 25 December 2009 at about 19.45.
Field Rangers in the iMfolozi section of the Park heard shots in the western part of the Makhamisa section of iMfolozi at about 19.40 and staff immediately swung into action in line with a long established anti-poaching procedure.
At about 19.45 Field Rangers near the Park boundary fence heard a group of people approaching from inside the Park.
Using torches the Field Rangers identified themselves and then challenged the intruders, who immediately cocked their weapons and brought them to bear on the rangers.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire one suspected poacher was shot dead and two others sustained gunshot wounds.
The EKZNW staff immediately gave the wounded suspects first aid treatment and they were duly evacuated by ambulance to a nearby hospital where they remain under SAPS guard.
The body of the dead suspect was removed by mortuary van.
In a subsequent search of the area two freshly removed rhino horns, two .308 rifles with slings, two axes and various other items of equipment, including cellphones, were collected.
At dawn the next morning (26 December 2009) EKZNW staff accompanied by members of the SAPS conducted a helicopter search of the area and found the carcase of an adult male white rhino on the banks of the White Umfolozi River in the Slevane area in the south eastern part of iMfolozi.
The incident was reported to the Mhlabathini SAPS station and an investigation involving the SAPS and EKZNW is underway.
“We regret that a life has been lost in this incident but I would like to reiterate that those who think they can plunder our wildlife resources do so at their peril,” said Mr Sifiso Kheswa EKZNW General Manager for Zululand.
“I am only too grateful that none of our staff were injured in this incident and I commend their courage in challenging a band of armed men who were willing to shoot it out,” he added. Ends
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) reports that two suspected rhino poachers were wounded and one killed in an exchange of gunfire with Field rangers in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in the evening of 25 December 2009 at about 19.45.
Field Rangers in the iMfolozi section of the Park heard shots in the western part of the Makhamisa section of iMfolozi at about 19.40 and staff immediately swung into action in line with a long established anti-poaching procedure.
At about 19.45 Field Rangers near the Park boundary fence heard a group of people approaching from inside the Park.
Using torches the Field Rangers identified themselves and then challenged the intruders, who immediately cocked their weapons and brought them to bear on the rangers.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire one suspected poacher was shot dead and two others sustained gunshot wounds.
The EKZNW staff immediately gave the wounded suspects first aid treatment and they were duly evacuated by ambulance to a nearby hospital where they remain under SAPS guard.
The body of the dead suspect was removed by mortuary van.
In a subsequent search of the area two freshly removed rhino horns, two .308 rifles with slings, two axes and various other items of equipment, including cellphones, were collected.
At dawn the next morning (26 December 2009) EKZNW staff accompanied by members of the SAPS conducted a helicopter search of the area and found the carcase of an adult male white rhino on the banks of the White Umfolozi River in the Slevane area in the south eastern part of iMfolozi.
The incident was reported to the Mhlabathini SAPS station and an investigation involving the SAPS and EKZNW is underway.
“We regret that a life has been lost in this incident but I would like to reiterate that those who think they can plunder our wildlife resources do so at their peril,” said Mr Sifiso Kheswa EKZNW General Manager for Zululand.
“I am only too grateful that none of our staff were injured in this incident and I commend their courage in challenging a band of armed men who were willing to shoot it out,” he added. Ends
AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 28 DATE
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.
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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