Africa Wild

Couldn't Cyril have chosen to release another category of criminals? There are enough to choose from

“There are flaws in the drafting of the legal documents, which sometimes leads to the annulment of the charges.

“Among the judiciary there is often a lack of knowledge about protected species and about the modus operandi of crimes against biodiversity in general and organised crime in particular, which results in the release of suspects on bail even in cases involving protected species.”

Who cares, they are only animals

It’s about time they also try do something about it

Kruger National Park
@SANParksKNP
Skukuza Rangers arrive at the Skukuza regional court, which saw its doors shut on 2 December 2019. At 9:00 this morning 3 poaching related court sessions will be conducted here since the decision to reopen the court was first announced on the 1st of February 2021.

SANParks welcomes reopening of Skukuza Regional Court
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has welcomed the reopening of the Skukuza Regional Court, which resumes its operations as from today, April 1, onwards.
2 days ago


The court has not operated for over a year due to a legal battle waged by the Mpumalanga Regional Court’s president, Naomi Annette Engelbrecht, to have the Skukuza Regional Court closed and all its cases transferred to the Mhala Regional Court.

Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court dismissed her application for leave to appeal a High Court decision allowing the Skukuza Regional Court to continue operating inside the Kruger National Park (KNP).



“Today we are proud to welcome back court officials to the revamped Skukuza Regional Court, to continue with their work of finding justice for our iconic rhino species, our rangers and all who are involved in the anti-poaching campaign.

“This move will help in saving time and money for our rangers and officials when they have to give crucial evidence in poaching-related cases.

“We are happy the issue of the future of this court is behind us, and we can now move on and concentrate on the task at hand,” said SANParks’ CEO, Fundisile Mketeni.



https://lowvelder.co.za/724226/sanparks ... nal-court/

When I think of all the time and quarrels and most likely also money lost during the time it has been closed

I wonder if something is going to happen to the Regional Court’s president? She will at least have to pay all the legal costs.

Media Release: Productive Anti-Poaching Weekend Operations in the KNP
19 April 2021
https://www.sanparks.org/about/news/?id=58218
The past weekend of 16 to 18 April 2021, brought fruitful operations in the Kruger National Park (KNP) wherein five suspected poachers were arrested in the Pretoriuskop Section. The suspects were found in possession of ammunition, a silencer and two high calibre hunting rifles.

"It has been a successful weekend in the fight to keep our rhinos alive in the park, we are delighted with our anti-poaching teams who were able to arrest suspects before any animal was killed. The actions are a morale booster for our anti-poaching teams and conservation efforts," said Gareth Coleman, the Managing Executive of the KNP.

On Saturday 17 April 2021, SANParks Rangers, supported by Airwing and K9 units apprehended one suspected poacher and recovered poaching equipment including a rifle and an axe. The second suspect was fatally trampled by a herd of breeding elephants and the third managed to evade arrest.

Yesterday (18 April 2021), rangers detected an incursion on a routine patrol and despite the hot weather conditions, they unwearyingly tracked the spoor until they made contact with a group of three suspected poachers. All three suspects were arrested and a high calibre hunting rifle, poaching equipment and ammunition were recovered. The rangers were supported by the Airwing and K9 units during this operation as well.

"We hope the arrests send a strong message to poachers that we are determined to stop them in their tracks within the Park. SANParks is committed to working harder with law enforcement agencies and communities outside the Park to intensify efforts to crack the criminal syndicates driving these crimes," concluded Coleman.

Issued by:
South African National Parks - Kruger National Park

Enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications & Marketing - SANParks
Tel: 013 735 4363, Cell 083 673 6974
Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

before any animal was killed