South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced increased security measures at Kruger National Park (KNP) during the festive season as part of its Festive Season Crime Prevention Drive. These measures aim to ensure visitor safety, protect wildlife and deter criminal activity within the park and its surroundings.
Security enhancements
- Increased surveillance: Entry gates will feature enhanced security including vehicle number plate recognition, radar surveillance and remote vehicle monitoring.
- Spot checks: Vehicles inside the park will be subject to spot checks to detect contraband and verify occupant identity and booking receipts.
- Patrols: Additional ranger and security patrols will operate, supported by dedicated dog units and free-running tracking hounds.
- Integrity management: SANParks continues to implement its Integrity Management Plan, including polygraph testing and supporting investigations.
Anti-poaching efforts
SANParks has also strengthened its efforts to combat poaching as snaring and poisoning incidents have increased. The Environmental Crime Investigation Unit collaborates with law enforcement agencies and Mozambican authorities to share intelligence and conduct joint operations. These efforts have led to the arrest of several poaching kingpins.
In the past quarter, SANParks Honorary Rangers have removed approximately 1 000 snares from the KNP boundary, highlighting the impact of indiscriminate poaching practices.
Visitor advice
SANParks advises visitors to be vigilant when entering the park, ensure vehicles are locked and report any suspicious activity near entry gates or within the park.
Collaborations with the private sector, local government departments, municipalities and law enforcement agencies will continue to bolster safety measures along routes leading to KNP.
