As World Ranger Day was commemorated on Wednesday, July 31, a 37-year-old ranger from Skukuza was arrested.
This in connection of a missing rifle that mysteriously disappeared.
The suspect was arrested during a joint operation based on information gathered by the South African National Parks (SANParks)
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According to police reports, it is through investigative effort that one of the rangers was identified as a suspect.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the rifle was later uncovered with about 18 ammunition. The items were hidden inside a ceiling at Hluvukani near Thulamahashe, in the Bushbuckridge area.
“It is believed that the recovered rifle could be the one that law enforcement agencies were looking for. The suspect is currently in police custody and will be facing charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition as well as other relevant charges that may arise during the course of the probe, of which theft cannot be ruled out,” said Colonel Mdluli.
As per standard procedure, the firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
