SAPS
A field ranger in the Kruger National Park was arrested for allegedly stealing a rifle and ammunition on the same day that World Ranger Day was commemorated.
SANParks said on Thursday that the theft of the firearm was discovered in June and an investigation was launched.
Spokesperson, JP Louw, said they had also received information that an employee had “participated” in the theft.
He said a multi-disciplinary team of investigators from the police and SANParks Environmental Crime Investigative Unit followed up on the information.
“An enquiry yesterday (Weds) led to the field ranger being brought in for an interview after which he took the investigators to his father’s house.
Louw said they recovered a firearm, ammunition, a silencer and a magazine which SAPS said were hidden in a ceiling of a dwelling at Hluvukani near Thulamahashe, in the Bushbuckridge area.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the 37-year-old suspect faces charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition, as well as other relevant charges that may arise during the course of the investigation.
The field ranger also faces an internal disciplinary hearing.
#sapsMP The SAPS in Mpumalanga, in conjunction with Crime Intelligence from SANPARKS, made a breakthrough regarding a rifle that mysteriously disappeared few weeks ago in Skukuza. A 37-year-old Ranger from Skukuza was nabbed on 31/07 during a joint sting operation. NP… pic.twitter.com/e7VXghAGEd
— SA Police Service ???????? (@SAPoliceService) August 1, 2024
