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SANParks Rangers capture ten suspected poachers and suffer the loss of one Ranger.
South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the death of a Field Ranger in what appears to have been an accidental shooting. The incident happened at Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park (KNP), where the Field Ranger was based and details are still sketchy at this stage but the South African Police Service (SAPS) are investigating the incident.
The Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni confirmed the incident “we are saddened by the death of one of our hard working colleagues and pass our sincerest condolences to his family and his associates, this is a big blow to the Rangers Corps, the SANParks family and the anti-poaching campaign, however we will continue where he left off to ensure the safety of our natural assets”. The incident took place after a successful two days in which 10 suspected poachers were arrested and 4 high calibre rifles seized in rhino poaching related incidents.
On the 19th March three suspected poachers were arrested by Rangers with the assistance of the K9 unit in Pretoriuskop, a .458 rifle with a silencer, ammunition and an axe, a fresh set of rhino horns and other poaching equipment was recovered.
Shortly thereafter in Stolznek, Rangers made contact with two suspected poachers, one was apprehended while his accomplice managed to escape. A .458 rifle with a silencer, ammunition and other poaching equipment was confiscated.
In another successful Ranger driven campaign outside the KNP with the support of the SAPS NIU, four suspected rhino poachers were arrested and two rhino horns were seized. The suspects were in possession of poaching equipment, ammunition and a heavy calibre rifle. Finally Crocodile Bridge Rangers conducting a follow up operation managed to arrest a suspected poacher in possession of a heavy calibre rifle and ammunition.
“We are proud of the work that is being done by our colleagues in the field, this shows the commitment and dedication to their task, we are also grateful that most come back safe to continue the campaign on behalf of all South Africans and the entire globe that visit this part of the world to witness these magnificent prehistoric animals in their natural habitat, we will continue where our colleagues who have succumbed to their injuries in the line of duty have left off. To the poachers, be warned, we have eyes all over the park and we will catch you and take your freedom away” concluded Mketeni.
Ends***
For previous media statements please go to www.sanparks.org
Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications:
For Media Enquiries:
William Mabasa: SANParks, Acting Head of Communications. Tel: 012 426 5170; 082 807 3919: Email: William.Mabasa@sanparks.org
or
Isaac Phaahla: SANParks Media Specialist: Tel: 012 426 5315; Cell: 083 673 6974; Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

Tragic.

RIP to the ranger...

But some good news as well.

Terrible waste of a life

If they had got them before they killed the rhinos it would be more acceptable Too many highly dangerous weapons are circulating

Very sad that the ranger lost his life and worse as it is a case of negligence / incompetence. How do you not make sure.... a) weapons are safe before entering a room and b) before handling a weapon. Especially if you are SAP and it was part of your training. What was his finger doing anywhere near the trigger in any case.

http://lowvelder.co.za/380118/ranger-fa ... et-bullet/

I thought that he was killed by the poachers This could have been avoided

Ranger fatally shot by a ricochet bullet
The tragic death of a Lower Sabie field ranger came amid a successful two days of anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park.
3 hours ago


SKUKUZA – The accidental shot that killed a Kruger National Park (KNP) ranger on Monday ricocheted off the cement floor of the ranger’s office in Lower Sabie. The shot came from a poacher’s rifle held by a member of the SAPS.

The ranger, Mr George Mdaka (30), was still alive when he arrived by chopper at Mediclinic Nelspruit on Monday evening. He was stabilised by a doctor in the park before being transported to hospital.

Mr William Mabasa, acting head of communications of SANParks, confirmed he passed away soon after his arrival.

He explained that Mdaka had transported poachers apprehended during an operation to the ranger’s office.

The SAPS arrived to arrest them. One of the police members secured the poacher’s weapon.

He thought that all the rounds of ammunition had been used up. He pointed it at the floor not knowing there was still a round left.

The shot hit the cement floor and the bullet ricocheted into Mdaka’s body.

Mr Michael Smit of the Independent Police Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in Mbombela told Lowvelder that the case will investigated by them because a member of SAPS was involved.

Mdaka was first employed by SANParks in 2012 and was a valuable member of the team of rangers involved in anti-poaching in Lower Sabie.

“It saddens us that this valuable member of our anti-poaching team passed away during this incident. Our heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Mabasa.

Mdaka’s funeral will take place on Sunday. Arrangements are still being made.

This thing needs a lot of investigation, IMO.

Certainly there is a lack of training involved. You cannot "think" that all the ammunition has been used, you have to "control" that it is so