Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is probing the fatal shooting of three suspected poachers in the Kruger National Park, where guns and other equipment have been recovered.
Narrating events leading to the fatal shooting, South African National Parks (SANParks) said: “On Friday, 14 June 2024 just before dark, rangers made contact with a group of suspected rhino poachers who were armed with a high-calibre rifle, an axe, and other poaching equipment”.
SANParks said one of the suspects was fatally wounded on contact while the others escaped.
A rifle and ammunition were recovered at the scene.
“Late on the evening of 18 June 2024, rangers encountered an armed group of suspected rhino poachers,” SANParks said.
“During the contact, two of the suspects were fatally wounded and a heavy-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and other poaching equipment were seized.
“Both incidents are currently being investigated by the SAPS.” SANParks said the two incidents in the Kruger National Park in a space of four days highlight the dangerous conditions rangers operate under.
The rangers involved in the incidents are receiving counseling.
“It particularly demonstrates the threats they face against heavily armed suspected poachers,” said SANParks.
“Incursions on the Eastern boundary are still relentless and the anti-poaching units have been under a lot of pressure.”
In a statement attributed to JP Louw, head of Communications, SANParks said it was also exploring numerous interventions which include community mobilisation and support to push back against the continuous poaching threats.
