Four 4x4 forensic trailers have been given to SANParks by the Minister of Environmental Affairs to help the fight against rhino poaching.
The trailers were funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP-GEF) Rhino Program will also assist in the investigation of rhino poaching and other wildlife crimes.
The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, said: "This newly available equipment will further aid crime scene management in outlying areas where the correct equipment needed for on-scene forensic investigations is not readily available.”
The Kruger National Park has also enforced Stricter Movement Control for the welfare of rhinos.
Three boom gates have been installed on access roads north of the Sabie River, designating the area as an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The boom gates will control night movement to people in order to minimise risk factors and will be manned by the Rangers.
The gates will operate
The IPZ barriers are found on: H1-2 road north-east of the Sand River low water bridge, H12 road – on the Sabie high level bridge and on H10 between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane.
KNP’s General Manager: Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa, said: “We are continuously taking steps to increase security in the Park in our quest to continue to provide security for our rhino which is severely under attack by poachers. Restrictions at these areas will allow us to closely monitor the movements associated with nightfall.”
