SANParks beefs up security at gates into KNP

[leachy]

The South African National Parks (SANParks) announced in a statement today that new security measures at the iconic Kruger National Park are being implemented.
According to Wanda Mkutshulwa, Head of Communications at SANParks, the measures are meant to enhance current security arrangements when guests, visitors and contractors enter the iconic KNP. “We have taken a decision to deploy a crop of newly trained rangers to assist with policing and security at all our main entrance gates. These rangers will help with search and seizure duties where necessary, as well as the arrest of offenders.
She said this deployment is part of a wider security strategy being implemented in the fight against rhino poaching. “We are at war and every single tactic will assist in ensuring that total control of all entry and exit points are managed by those tasked with the upkeep of the area integrity. It is no secret that the KNP has borne the brunt of these activities in recent times. Therefore if we are serious about winning this war all commands must be marshaled from one point.”
According to Mkutshulwa the deployed rangers have been trained in customer etiquette and also in the handling of sniffer dogs. “Our tracker dogs have been instrumental in the many successful anti-poaching operations that we have decided to utilize sniffer dogs at our gates; we are in a fortunate situation where individuals and companies are assisting us with training and donations of these dogs. We are not pulling out any of our tracker dogs from their missions but have specially trained sniffer dogs ready for deployment.”
The deployment is with immediate effect and is part of rolling out the many security measures that are being implemented in the KNP.
The measures are meant to bring down the number of animals that are being lost to illegal hunting emanating mainly from the KNP’s eastern border with Mozambique.

……..ENDS

Released by SANParks Corporate Communications, Telephone: 012 426 5170
For Media Enquiries

Reynold Thakhuli, SANParks GM: Media Liaison, Tel: 012 426 5170 Mobile: 073 373 4999 e-mail: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org
Ike Phaahla, Media Specialist, Tel: 012 426 5315 Mobile: 083 673 6974 e-mail: isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

[RobertT]

Finally now imagine if hey had done this when they lost 400 odd rhino in 2011, wonder what 2012's figure would have been.

[Sprocky]

About time, I just hope that it is a case of better late than never.

I think I might spend a few hours at the gate watching how they go about their business.

[PRWIN]

Now just to get the fences back up as well and to start patrols along them looking for tracks

[Amoli]

An absolute positive step in the right direction.... keep going,

[norms]

Great news - Let's hope this extra security can help win the war -

[harrys]

An absolute positive step in the right direction.... keep going,

Agreed Amoli if they are serious about our Rhinos this will go far to root out the bad apples

[RobertT]

Wonder how much if any of this is motivated by what was found in floods. Find the timing very co-incidental considering for years we have been asking for tighter controls.

[harrys]

Maybe someone IS trying to make a difference and really cares about the animals and their well being

[Penga Ndlovu]

Wonder how much if any of this is motivated by what was found in floods. Find the timing very co-incidental considering for years we have been asking for tighter controls.

My thoughts too when I read that Rob.