A FULL-scale operation, assisted by NCS aircraft, was launched yesterday to search for suspected rhino poachers and animal carcasses following a shoot-out between rangers of the KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation Service (NCS) and the alleged poachers in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park on Wednesday evening.
According to NCS media liaison, Jeff Gainsford, no one was harmed during the shoot-out and the incident took place on the southern boundary in the Meva part of the Umfolozi Wilderness area, far from the visitors area.
He explains that a ranger came face to face with two armed men who immediately pointed their rifles at him.
Other rangers heard the exchange of gunfire and immediately radioed the park headquarters at Mpila.
"After the two men fled the scene, the ranger came across another man carrying a big, heavy-looking bag. On being challenged, the man fled, taking the bag with him."
After dark, the rangers continued to search by torchlight, finding nothing. The follow-up operation swung into action yesterday morning.
At the time of writing, the suspects had not been apprehended, nor were there any signs of animal carcasses. The operation was, however still ongoing.
(Adele Mackenzie)
