LIMPOPO – An unidentified male was fatally wounded during a confrontation with Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) members on Friday evening on a farm under the Pienaarsrivier policing precinct in the Waterberg District.

Drones deployed after gunshots heard

The Anti-Poaching Unit members were conducting routine patrols in the area when they heard three gunshots and responded immediately. Drones were deployed to locate the suspects and assess for rhino carcasses.

A drone detected suspected poachers and relayed their location to the police.

Confrontation in the bushes

They approached the suspects, who fled into the nearby bushes. One suspect was observed carrying a rifle, and another a backpack.

While tracking one suspect, APU members and the drone came under fire from him. Police returned fire in self-defence, and the suspect was fatally wounded.

Three rhino carcasses found

Subsequently, the drones later located three fresh white rhino carcasses on the farm. Two of the rhinos were found dehorned, while one was not. A knife in its sheath and an additional sheath were recovered at the carcasses.

Firearm recovered from deceased

The deceased suspect had no identification on him, and a firearm was found next to him after he sustained a gunshot wound.

Police have opened cases of rhino poaching, attempted murder and murder.

Manhunt underway

A manhunt for the remaining unknown male suspects is underway.