Missing Rifle and Ammunition Recovered in Joint SAPS and SANParks Operation

A joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Parks (SANParks) has successfully recovered a missing rifle and ammunition.

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Published By Everything ZA News

Mpumalanga – The South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Parks (SANParks) have successfully recovered a missing rifle and arrested a suspect in connection with the theft.

A joint operation on Wednesday, July 31, led to the arrest of a 37-year-old Skukuza ranger in Hluvukani, near Thulamahashe. The missing firearm and 18 rounds of ammunition were found concealed in the ceiling of a house in the area.

The operation came about after SANParks Crime Intelligence provided crucial information to the Mpumalanga Tactical Response Team and a Cash-in-Transit crime unit from the Ehlanzeni District.

The arrested ranger will appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 2, facing charges of illegal firearm possession and ammunition. Further charges may be added as the investigation progresses.

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, commended the collaborative efforts of both organizations in recovering the stolen firearm.