Two Field Rangers arrested at the weekend for allegedly assisting wildlife poachers will appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrates’ Court in Mpumalanga on Monday, 25 April 2022.
The rangers aged 56 and 60 were arrested on Saturday afternoon in Skukuza and charged with corruption, money laundering, and fraud linked to wildlife trafficking.
The suspects were arrested by the Mpumalanga-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team assisted by the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit during operation Blood Orange.
“The arrest follows a comprehensive investigation which included their financial affairs,” said police Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo.
“It is alleged that the suspects provided tactical information to rhino poaching syndicates in exchange for large sums of money.”
Further arrests can not be ruled out since the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with further information on the investigation is urged to contact the Hawks investigating officer, Colonel Danie Hall on 071 481 3281.
