Enjoy your trip, Penny!
Ja, the simple thing is that there is no reason why Kruger/SANParks should somehow be a paradise regarding corruption and thievery compared to the rest of the country...
Simply illogical?
I said that on SP forums 5 years ago.
Also, The staff village thing made a big stir 2 years ago.
One positive is that the villages have been raided a couple of times, but as with the rest of SA, early warning plays a role there too, IMO.
Regarding lifestyle audits, the first thing the newly rich poachers/corrupt officials do is buy a fancy car, for some reason, which has led to arrests or monitoring in Kruger and elsewhere...you are dead right!
Don't know if it is as much of a bushmeat trade as people visiting or staying with staff, or staff, just helping themselves. Snaring is a primitive and time-consuming business, according to the newly entitled, IMO...they will just go and shoot.
Bottom line is, as in the rest of SA, Working and having a job are two separate concepts for many...some land a job and then sit back and see how they can avoid working and make money elsewhere while on the payroll.
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596