Poacher shot during confrontation rangers in Kruger National Park
A 32-year-old suspected poacher was shot and injured after a confrontation with field rangers in the Crocodile Bridge section of the Kruger National Park, according to police in Mpumalanga.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, after rangers tracked human footprints spotted earlier in the day. At around 8 pm, rangers encountered two armed men near the park’s southern boundary.
“When the rangers instructed them to stop, the suspects attempted to flee and tried to scale a nearby fence. During the pursuit, one of the suspects allegedly pointed a rifle at the rangers, prompting them to open fire in self-defence,” said Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson.
Both suspects managed to cross the fence. One suspect collapsed near a sugarcane field after dropping his rifle, while the second suspect escaped into the fields and remains at large.
The injured suspect was found in possession of a backpack containing two rhino horns and a knife. According to police, he could not produce any permits authorising his presence in the park or the possession of the recovered firearm.
He was arrested and is facing charges of trespassing in a national park, illegal hunting, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of a dangerous weapon. He was taken to the hospital under police guard and will appear before the Masoyi Periodical Court once declared medically fit.
Magagula urged members of the public to assist police in tracking down the suspect who fled.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Shegofatso Moreku on 082 077 5826, or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the rangers for their actions.
“We commend the rangers for their swift response and bravery in the face of danger. Anyone who dares to threaten or attack our field rangers will face the full might of the law. Our rangers are not passive observers — they are trained professionals who will defend themselves and our natural heritage,” he said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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