MPUMALANGA — A significant Kruger National Park cannabis seizure is underway after security personnel uncovered approximately 40 kilograms of suspected dagga hidden in a vehicle linked to a park concessionaire. The discovery occurred at the Malelane Gate, prompting an immediate handover to law enforcement authorities.
The suspected illegal drugs were intercepted last Sunday during routine access control procedures. Security teams operating at the crucial entrance to the renowned wildlife reserve conducted the search as part of standard safeguarding measures designed to protect the ecosystem and ensure strict regulatory compliance within the park’s boundaries.
Following the confiscation of the 40kg haul, the incident was swiftly transferred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for comprehensive investigation and legal processing.
A SANParks spokesperson detailed the handover, stating: “The suspected cannabis was confiscated, and the matter was immediately handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation and processing. The South African National Parks (SANParks) is cooperating fully with SAPS as they pursue the matter.”
In a formal statement released on Wednesday, the SANParks spokesperson explained the context of the interception, noting: “The discovery was made as part of ongoing security and access control measures aimed at safeguarding the park and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.”
The conservation authority also used the update to reiterate its strict operational ethics regarding illegal activities on its premises. The spokesperson emphasized that SANParks maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful activities within its national parks and associated operations, remaining fully committed to supporting law enforcement efforts to combat criminal activity.
Because the probe is now actively managed by police authorities, the SANParks spokesperson concluded the update by stating: “As the matter is now under SAPS investigation, SANParks will not comment further at this stage.”