Three suspects, including two field rangers, summoned over illegal hunting of endangered species

Three men, including two SANParks field rangers, have been summoned to appear in court in connection with alleged fraud, corruption and the illegal hunting and capture of endangered species in the Tolwe policing area in Limpopo.

The suspects, aged 40, 62 and 41, allegedly created a fraudulent hunting permit in May 2023 to gain access to a SANParks nature reserve and capture endangered wildlife.

According to police, the 41-year-old suspect allegedly hunted and captured the animals with the assistance of the two field rangers. The trio and four other alleged accomplices reportedly used a helicopter to dart endangered animals valued at more than R4 million before loading them onto a truck and transporting them to unknown locations.

The matter was reported to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment before being referred to the Limpopo SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.

Following an investigation, the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, which authorised summonses against all seven suspects.

On Friday, members of the Anti-Corruption Unit and environmental officials served summonses on three of the suspects in the Tolwe policing area.

They are expected to appear before the Senwabarwana Magistrates’ Court on 6 October 2026, facing charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of environmental legislation.

Police said efforts were continuing to trace and serve the remaining four suspects with summonses.

Investigations are continuing.