Field Ranger arrested for rifle theft

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the arrest of a field ranger based at one of the sections in the Kruger National Park (KNP) for the theft of an official firearm and ammunition yesterday, 31 July 2024.

During June 2024, it was discovered that a firearm had been stolen from one of the sections and an investigation was immediately initiated. Information was received that an employee participated in the theft. A multi-disciplinary team of investigators from the South African Police Service Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit (STES), SANParks Environmental Crime Investigative Unit (ECI) and Vispol, followed up on the information. 

An enquiry yesterday led to the field ranger being brought in for an interview after which he took the investigators to his father’s house; wherein they recovered a firearm, ammunition, a silencer and a magazine. The suspect was then arrested and taken into custody. 

Internal disciplinary hearing is underway and details of his court appearance will be communicated. 

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For previous media statements please go to www.sanparks.org

Issued by:     
South African National Parks (SANParks) 
JP Louw: SANParks Head of Communications Cell: 072 772 9424 or email: JP.Louw@sanparks.org

Media enquiries:
Ike Phaahla: Manager: Communications and Marketing – KNP, Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell: 083 673 6974; or Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org or Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli: SANParks General Manager: PR, Media, and Stakeholder Relations. Tel: 012 426 5203, Cell: 073 373 4999 or Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org