Rangers Foil Illegal Bark Stripping Operation In Newlands Forest

Rangers from South African National Parks SANParks were able to apprehend individuals engaged in illegal bark stripping activities in Newlands Forest, in a commendable display of vigilance and dedication to environmental protection.

Following a tip-off, rangers from Sea Air Mountain SEAM embarked on a foot patrol, leading them to the Woodcutter's Trail, where they were alerted by unusual sounds of chanting and chopping, reports Cape town Etc .

Upon further investigation, the team discovered four individuals actively engaged in stripping bark from trees. In a swift response, two suspects were found chopping the bark, while the others were seen hastily packing it into backpacks.

As rangers moved to apprehend the individuals, the suspects fled, leaving behind their tools and evidence of their illicit activities, SANParks stated.

Their escape was short-lived a K9 unit from SEAM successfully apprehended one of the fleeing suspects, while the other two were apprehended by rangers shortly thereafter. A search of the immediate area yielded crucial evidence, including a panga, an axe, and four packed backpacks filled with the stripped bark.