Mbombela (Nelspruit) – The South African National Parks (SANParks) has revealed that the body found in the Kruger National Park was of a poacher.
SANParks on Monday, 14 July 2025, said the poacher was shot dead during an encounter with rangers.
SANParks said: “Rangers on patrol at night on Friday, 11 July 2025, at Lower Sabie Section of the Kruger National Park came into contact with three suspected poachers.
“A contact ensued between the rangers and the suspects, who managed to flee the scene, and as the night got darker, the rangers abandoned the chase.
“The following morning on 12 July 2025, rangers returned to the scene for further investigation, and that is when they discovered a lifeless body.”
SANParks said it suspected the dead man was one of the alleged poachers the rangers had contact with the previous night.
“Next to the deceased, who is yet to be identified, was a backpack with two rhino horns that were recovered,” SANParks said.
“Meanwhile, investigations are proceeding, which include pursuing the other two accomplices who are still at large.”
Police from Skukuza said they were informed about the body found in the Kruger National Park and were investigating the matter.
The man who was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene has not yet been identified.
