In a joint operation between SANParks and the SANDF there was contact with a group of suspected poachers north of Letaba at around 7pm on the evening of 24 May, and Houtboschrand section ranger Andrew Desmet was shot and wounded in the stomach. He was subsequently airlifted to a medical facility in Nelspruit, where he underwent an operation late that night, and his condition is apparently stable. On 25 May, an assessment was done at the scene of the contact and further investigations are continuing.
While this incident was unfolding, another group of rangers made contact with a second group of armed poachers approximately 2km away where a shoot-out ensued. During this fire-fight the poachers managed to escape into the bush in the darkness and no arrests were made. A .458 heavy calibre rifle and other poaching equipment were recovered at the scene.
The CEO of SANParks, Dr David Mabunda, has extended his well wishes to Andrew on behalf of all staff in SANParks. According to Dr Mabunda, "Andrew is a long-serving member of our ranger corps. We have always said it is a war out there, and we wish once again to thank Andrew and all our rangers who are in the front line of the battle. We thank all those who played a role in getting Andrew to safety and we wish him a speedy recovery. SANParks remains committed to doing everything in our power to roll back the scourge of rhino poaching, and to ensure that those who commit these crimes are brought to justice."
These incidents follow contacts earlier in the week in which two suspected poachers were arrested. These arrests brought to 50 the number of suspected poachers arrested in the Kruger National Park so far this year. According to SANParks head of communications, Paul Daphne: "While the increasing number of suspected poachers being arrested in the Kruger Park may reflect the increasing numbers engaging in rhino poaching, it also indicates that the measures that SANParks has put in place are making an impact. In 2012 we were arresting 6 suspected poachers a month, while in the first 4 months of this year the rate of arrests has climbed to almost 12 per month. The doubling of the rate of arrests is an indication of our ongoing commitment to do all that it takes to bring these criminals to book."
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