Question NW3385 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
09 November 2017 - NW3385
Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)Whether any cell phones and/or other communication devices were confiscated by rangers from alleged poachers in each national park since 01 January 2017; if so, (a) what number of communication devices were confiscated in each specified park and (b) what are the details of the processes followed after confiscation; (2) whether the specified devices were handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS); if so, have the devices been used as evidence in investigations?
Reply:
(1) Yes, ninety three (93) cellular phones were confiscated during arrests, by Rangers, of suspected poachers in the Kruger National Park.
(2) Yes, all cellular phones recovered from South African National Parks (SANParks) anti-poaching operations/ arrests are handed over to the SAPS for further investigation. The intention is for all cellular phone evidence to be used in investigation processes. The SAPS is in a better position to give an account on whether the devices have been used as evidence in investigations.
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