The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on Saturday, July 12.
It is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with field rangers the previous night at around 21:00.
According to a report, three field rangers were on patrol in the evening at Nwari Block when they came into contact with three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered them to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the Rangers who reportedly fired back and a shooting ensued.
The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.
READ | Man sentenced for dealing in rhino horns
“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound (at Lower Sabie region of the park), laying on the ground. There was also a backpack next to him,” reads a police statement.
Two rhino horns were found in the backpack. An investigation is underway and the man has not yet been identified. The other two suspected poachers are still on the run.
