The police in Skukuza have arrested a 59-year-old former field ranger and a 37-year-old male for illegal hunting and trespassing in the Skukuza Ranger Section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Sunday, 11 May 2025.
The arrests came after field rangers on patrol in Block 19 of the Skukuza area discovered tracks of four individuals and initiated a search. During the operation, they spotted four African males and ordered them to stop. The suspects fled, prompting a chase by the rangers.
Two of the suspects were apprehended, while the other two managed to flee. One of the arrested suspects was identified as a former field ranger who had previously worked in the park. He was dismissed in 2021 for conspiracy to commit a crime, a matter still being heard in the Skukuza Regional Court. At the time of his arrest, he was found wearing a ranger uniform.
The suspects were found in possession of one impala head, one dead warthog, and seven snares. When asked to produce a valid hunting permit, they failed to do so.
Skukuza police were called to the scene, where they arrested and charged the suspects accordingly.
Both suspects are expected to appear before the Masoyi Periodical Court today, Monday, 12 May 2025, on charges of illegal hunting and trespassing. Police have not ruled out the possibility of adding further charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrests and expressed concern regarding the involvement of a former ranger who is already facing criminal charges. “It is worrying that a former ranger, who is still appearing in court for previous criminal conduct, has once again been implicated in a similar offence. It clearly shows a lack of remorse. We trust that the National Prosecuting Authority will act decisively,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.