In the second operation in the Phalaborwa section – north of the park, a further three suspects were arrested and one wounded and is receiving medical attention under police guard. A rifle, ammunition and illegal hunting equipment were also recovered.

According to SANParks spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, these arrests follow a full month of successful operations, resulting in 28 suspected poachers being taken into custody for the month of April alone. “The latest arrests bring the total for the year within the Kruger National Park to 62 arrests.”

He said SANParks together with its partners SA Police Services and SA National Defense Force are focused on winning this war at all costs “and we will leave nothing to chance in protecting our rhino in this iconic park and in our other national  parks”, said Thakhuli.

For more information on SANParks, visit www.sanparks.org .