REACTING to a community tip-off on Sunday, iSimangaliso rangers launched a midnight raid that led to the arrest of a suspected leopard poacher.
The iSimangaliso Ezemvelo St Lucia Anti-Poaching Unit field rangers set off during the full moon after receiving information that a suspect was in possession of a fresh leopard and red duiker carcass, allegedly obtained from snares set in the Western Shores section.
Park rangers, assisted by St Lucia SAPS, were rapidly deployed and the operation ended in the early hours of Monday.
‘On arriving at the Dukuduku west homestead a suspect was seen fleeing into the darkness,’ said iSimangaliso CEO, Andrew Zaloumis.
‘Illegal products were found at the home, including a freshly skinned leopard carcass with the snare still around its neck, fresh leopard skin and leopard paws, a fresh red duiker carcass and skin, and fresh meat.
‘In addition, 31 snares, a gin trap, a spear and a pair of nyala horns were found.
‘A woman was arrested and a case has been opened with the Mtubatuba SAPS.
‘The investigation continues and the suspect who allegedly carried out the activities and at whose premises the illegal products were found is being sought.’
This success follows closely on four other significant poaching busts in the past few weeks by iSimangaliso rangers.
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