On Thursday, 30 June 2011, the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed at Kruger National Park and South African National Parks (SANPark) members were dispatched to search for alleged poachers. Three suspected, heavily armed alleged poachers were apprehended. They were in possession of AK 47 and ammunition, hunting rifle with ammunition, hand grenade, two axes, three backpacks, two nokia cellphones, two water bottles, bread roll and three cans of fish.
In the case where rhino-poaching manifests as a cross-border crime activity, the SANDF will act within the framework of its present mandate as per the Defence Act of 2002 Section 18(1) (d).
The SANDF contributes and plays a very critical role in the curbing of rhino-poaching as part of their support to SANParks along the Kruger National Park which borders the neighbouring countries.
The Constitution stipulates that the SANDF shall protect the territorial integrity and safeguarding the sovereignty of the republic. In this regard, the SANDF is in the Kruger National Park to ensure that this mandate is carried out.
Enquiries:
Captain Zamo Sithole
Tel: 012 674 5496
Fax: 012 674 5718
Cell: 084 714 1801
E-mail: opcom@jopsdiv.co.za
S Dlamini
Tel: 012 355 6015
Fax: 012 355 6019
Cell: 083 645 4294
E-mail: siphiwe.dlamini@dod.mil.za
Zero tolerance to alleged poachers
