Today's Lowvelder:
Worldwide wishes for KNP ranger
The shooting of Letaba section ranger ranger, Mr Andrew Desmet on May 24, has caused shock waves in the Lowveld and South Africa and worldwide.
30 May 2013
NELSPRUIT - The wordwide attention the shooting of a ranger is receiving is evident from the Facebook page, created by his daughter, Rebecca, where messages of support can be posted for him and his family. Within one week the group attracted 1 793 followers.
Desmet was shot in the stomach when rangers and soldiers of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) came into contact with a group of suspected rhino poachers in the Kruger National
Park (KNP).
Lowvelder was confidentially informed that he had been accidentally shot by
an SANDF soldier. KNP spokesman Mr William Mabasa would not confirm or deny this, but said, "Desmet's case is the second one besides the trainee ranger incident."
According to Lt Col Ronel Otto, spokesman for Limpopo SAPS, a case of attempted murder has been opened. "This is standard procedure and the investigation is underway," she said, but could neither confirm against whom the charges had been made nor which calibre weapon had been used.
People from as far afield as Hong Kong, New Zealand and Canada have used this medium to convey their wishes for a speedy recovery and praise for the work that Desmet does in the fight against rhino poaching.
"He is a hero. Thank God for people like him who fight for what is just and right. Thank you, Andrew, for putting your life on the line to keep these magnificent creatures safe so that future generations can, hopefully, also get to enjoy them in the bush. Praying for your speedy and full recovery," is the message from Debbie Hemsley.
Jan Martin McGuire writes, "Hello Andrew. I am a wildlife artist in Oklahoma in America. I come to Africa every year. I work very hard in the war on poaching. I want to thank you personally for your bravery and what you have done to save the rhino."
"Lets hope there will be many more moments like this one to come", Rebecca Desmet writes with this photo of her father, Andrew.
According to a post by Rebecca Desmet on May 29, her father is currently stable and the infection, which had concerned the medical staff, seemed to be under control. She added, "However there are a number of medical concerns that will require procedures and treatments and it will be a while before there is any major progress. It is unclear how long this will take but it could be days or even weeks. We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to everyone for all the concern and good wishes."
Mabasa confirmed that Desmet was in a serious but stable condition.
Readers can find the page on Facebook under "Andrew Desmet Support Group".
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/co ... KNP-ranger
