Alleged poacher shot dead at Kruger National Park
An alleged poacher has been shot dead by Kruger National Park rangers while his accomplice has been arrested.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14 June.
Mpumalanga police said information they received indicates that rangers were on patrol near the Satara area when they encountered three African males walking near Ngotso Dam. One of the individuals was carrying a firearm, while the others had backpacks.
'The rangers immediately ordered the suspects to stop and instructed the armed individual to drop the weapon. However, instead of complying, the suspect allegedly pointed the firearm at the rangers and opened fire.
'In response, the rangers returned fire. As a result, two of the suspects sustained serious injuries while the third fled the scene,' said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
Ndubane said police and emergency services, including medical personnel from Skukuza, were called to the scene.
'While the injured suspects were being attended to, one of them succumbed to his injuries. The surviving suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under police guard,' he explained.
Additionally, the suspects are believed to be illegal immigrants from Mozambique. Police have opened a case, and charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, trespassing, and attempted murder have been laid.
The suspected poacher is expected to appear in court as soon as he is discharged from the hospital. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being added.
Meanwhile, acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the arrest and issued a stern warning to poachers.
Mkhwanazi said rangers and police will continue working tirelessly to ensure the park remains safe from poachers.
'The Kruger National Park is a vital part of our heritage, a source of learning for future generations, and an important contributor to our provincial economy through tourism. We will not allow anyone to destroy what we treasure,' he said.
Meanwhile, more than 100 rhinos were poached in South Africa in the first quarter of 2025, continuing the country's ongoing battle against wildlife crime.
Environment Minister Dion George confirmed that, from January 1 to March 31, 103 rhinos were killed, with 65 poached in national parks.
'The loss of 103 rhinos to poaching in the first three months of 2025 is a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife,' George said.
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