One suspected rhino poacher has been shot dead, one other has been wounded in a shootout with SANPARKS rangers at the Kruger National Park, early Saturday morning. It is alleged the park rangers noticed three men within the Punda Maria – Boxahuku Mountains at the Kruger Park and ordered them to stop. The men allegedly shot at the rangers who then returned fire.
One suspected poacher died at the scene and one other suspected poacher sustained gunshot wounds on the left knee and right thigh. The other surrendered and has been arrested. One hunting rifle with 11 ammunition, one axe, one knife and three cellphones have been confiscated.
The dead was wearing a Mozambican solders uniform while the other two were clad in the SANPARKS uniform. The wounded suspect is under guard at an undisclosed hospital while the other suspect is in custody and is expected to appear soon at the Makhado Magistrate Court.
The surviving poachers will be facing charges a range of charges including rhino poaching, attempted murder, trespassing, possession of unlicensed and impersonation of SANPARKS officials. Investigations are continuing to determine the identities of the suspects.
For more information please contact:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
