The SAPS in Mpumalanga, in conjunction with Crime Intelligence from SANPARKS, made a breakthrough regarding a rifle that mysteriously disappeared few weeks ago in Skukuza. Thanks to the team, a 37-year-old Ranger from Skukuza was nabbed today, Wednesday, 31 July 2024 during a joint sting operation based on information gathered by SANPARKS. The operation was ironically carried out on the day in which World Ranger Day was celebrated.
Upon receiving such crucial information, the members from Mpumalanga Tactical Response Team (TRT) and a team specializing with Cash-in-Transit (CIT) crimes around the Ehlanzeni District, swiftly followed the leads which began from Skukuza in the Kruger National.
Through meticulous questioning and investigative efforts, one of the Rangers was identified as a suspect.
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.
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 will appear in court soon.
Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed his sincere appreciation. “The SAPS takes incidents of missing firearms very seriously, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. We commend the collaborative efforts of SANPARKS and our dedicated teams for their swift action in this matter,” said the General.