Police appeal for help to catch poachers who killed elephant and vultures in Kruger National Park
Police say poachers used a cable snare to trap an elephant in the Mushiyani block in the Mahlagweni area last week Thursday.
Elephant in the Kruger National Park. Wikimedia Commons/Dario Crespi
JOHANNESBURG - Limpopo police and environmental authorities are joining forces to track down those behind the illegal elephant killing and mass vulture poisoning in the Kruger National Park.
Police say poachers used a cable snare to trap an elephant in the Mushiyani block in the Mahlagweni area last week Thursday.
The animal was then poisoned, resulting in the deaths of 123 vultures that fed on its carcass.
While the elephant’s tusks were not removed, officials have condemned the act as a serious environmental crime.
Provincial police spokesperson Malasela Ledwaba says Limpopo’s police commissioner is urging residents to assist investigators.
"Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has appealed to members of the community who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward."