LIMPOPO – Police in Limpopo have arrested an 18-year-old suspect following a shooting incident involving suspected poachers and Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers in the northern section of the park, at Xipala Block in the Vhembe district.

The incident occurred at approximately 15:30 on Thursday last week after police in Saselamani received a report from a KNP ranger about an exchange of gunfire between park rangers and suspected poachers.

Following the alert, police immediately mobilised and proceeded towards the area where they had been informed the suspects might be heading, in an effort to track them down and prevent their escape. Upon arrival, police found an 18-year-old man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his leg. Nearby, they discovered the carcass of a buffalo, valued at approximately R80 000, that had allegedly been slaughtered using pangas.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the injured suspect was allegedly part of a group of five individuals suspected of being involved in the poaching incident. The group reportedly opened fire on the park rangers when they heard them approaching, triggering an exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, the 18-year-old suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, while the other four suspects managed to flee the scene before police could apprehend them.

The discovery of the buffalo carcass highlighted the extent of the suspected poaching operation, with the animal estimated to be worth approximately R80 000. The alleged use of pangas to slaughter the animal also forms part of the circumstances being investigated by police.

The injured suspect was immediately transported to the hospital for medical treatment and was subsequently placed under police guard. He is expected to appear before the Saselamani Magistrate’s Court soon, where he will face charges of attempted murder and poaching.

Police investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and track down the four suspects who escaped. The police therefore appealed to members of the public who might have information about their whereabouts to come forward.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has commended park rangers for their continued efforts to protect the country’s wildlife and combat poaching. Scheepers has also emphasised against attacks on law enforcement personnel. “Attacks on law enforcement personnel will not be tolerated, and those who do will be brought to justice,” said Scheepers.

Anyone with information that may assist police in tracing the four outstanding suspects is urged to contact the investigating officer, Captain Gerson Tshilande, on 082 414 2989 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be provided anonymously through the MySAPS app.