SANParks ANNOUNCES THE ARREST OF TWO FIELD RANGERS IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

[RogerFraser]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kruger. ... 047271456/

Saturday, 23 April 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release

SANParks ANNOUNCES THE ARREST OF TWO FIELD RANGERS IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

South African National Parks (SANParks) has today, 23 April 2022 been informed of the arrest of two Field Rangers in the Kruger National Park (KNP). The Field Rangers were arrested on charges related to Fraud, Money Laundering and Corruption and the arrests are the result of an extensive investigation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) also referred to as the HAWKS, with support from Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. The arrests form part of an ongoing external investigation and no further details are available at this time.

The Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman commented that “We are proud of the teamwork and dedication of our Rangers Corp, our Aviators, K9 Units and ECI Unit, and our partners in other law enforcement agencies who execute their responsibilities in extremely difficult conditions. It is unfortunate that some of our employees are alleged to have chosen to become involved in illegal activities. As these arrests indicate, law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring our actions. When employees are exposed it has far reaching consequences for themselves, their families and their own communities. Only through discipline, honesty and teamwork combined with the desire to serve the people of our country selflessly will we be able to stem the tide of rhino poaching in KNP” concluded Coleman.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) - Kruger National Park: Communications & Marketing Department.
Media enquiries:
Ike Phaahla: Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell: 083 673 6974; or Email: isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

[Lisbeth]

Hadn't Coleman left SANParks? He was supposed only to stay for a period in order to make a business plan for the coming years as far as I have understood

[Richprins]

I wonder what exactly their crimes are?

[RogerFraser]

also curious to hear that detail .Hopefully it does get revealed not just swept under the carpet ...

[Lisbeth]

Something has changed; normally these kinds of arrests are made internally, it's the first time I have heard of the Hawks and " with support from Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit", which I have never heard of, arresting Kruger employees.

[graham]

The wording is interesting.

The first paragraph suggests that this may have nothing to do with SANParks normal activities - SANParks has been informed, the nature of the charges, the involvement of the Hawks, ongoing external investigation.

The involvement of the Stocktheft and Endangered Species units may have been simply to facilitate the arrests as the arrests were made in the KNP.

Then right at the end is a reference to rhino poaching - Why?

[Lisbeth]

Maybe because SANParks is being very criticised for not having been able to decrease the rhino poaching

[RogerFraser]

Some more details emerged in the SAPS -Hawks press release -
https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceServic ... b2ooBTp2kl

Field rangers arrested for money laundering.
Two Field Rangers aged 56 and 60 will appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrates' Court tomorrow, 25 April 2022. They were arrested on Saturday afternoon in Skukuza and charged with corruption, money laundering and fraud linked to wildlife trafficking.
The suspects were arrested by the Mpumalanga based Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation team assisted by the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit during operation Blood Orange. It is alleged that the suspects provided tactical information to rhino poaching syndicates in exchange for large sums of money.
Further arrests cannot be ruled out since the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with further information on the investigation is urged to contact the Hawks investigating officer, Colonel Danie Hall on 071 481 3281.

[graham]

Thanks Roger.

It all makes sense now but why didn't SANParks put that in their press release? They are so obsessed with trying to dodge any negative publicity which just makes matters worse.

[Richprins]

The truth comes out!