LIMPOPO – A suspected poacher is believed to have been trampled by elephants and died in Kruger National Park, while his accomplice escaped after the two allegedly entered the park illegally on Friday with the intention of poaching animals.

Herd charges as men flee in different directions

According to the park, the two men allegedly encountered a herd of elephants while they were about six kilometers inside the park in the Pafuri area. The elephants allegedly charged at them, causing the men to run in different directions as they tried to escape.

Moments later, the other suspect is said to have heard his friend scream but continued running towards the fence they had entered through to exit the park and reach safety.

After returning home, he reportedly informed members of the local community about what had happened and told them that he had heard his friend “screaming” while he was running away.

According to the park’s media statement released on Sunday, rangers received information on Saturday, September 12, about two men who had allegedly entered the park illegally through the Pafuri area on Friday, September 11, with the intention of poaching.

“Preliminary information suggests that the two suspects encountered a herd of elephants while inside the park and fled in different directions, subsequently losing contact with one another,” read the park’s statement.

“One of the suspects later returned home and reported that his accomplice was missing, indicating that he had heard him screaming during the incident.”

Accomplice arrested, leads rangers to scene

The matter was later reported to the police.

“With the assistance of the local community, one suspect was arrested. The individual subsequently admitted to participating in the unlawful entry into the park and accompanied the park rangers from the Pafuri Ranger Post to the area where the incident reportedly occurred,” the statement said.

Rangers allegedly followed tracks from the Luvuvhu River for approximately six kilometers into the park, where they discovered the body of the missing suspect.

During the search, the remains of a buffalo, believed to have been illegally hunted, were also found.

Body found intact, Sanparks confirms

According to Sanparks communications and marketing general manager Rey Thakhuli, the body was still intact.

“I can confirm that the suspect was trampled by a herd of elephants, and that the body hadn’t been eaten by other animals at the time of discovery,” he said.

Meanwhile, SAPS has taken over the investigation, which includes conducting the necessary forensic processes.