Three suspected rhino poachers killed in Kruger

SKUKUZA – Three suspected rhino poachers have been killed in the Kruger National Park (KNP) this week and three more wounded.

According to SANParks spokesman Mr Rey Thakhuli, rangers on patrol in the Pretoriuskop section of Kruger spotted a group of three suspects early last night. During the engagement and follow-up operation, one of them was fatally wounded. A hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were recovered at the scene. The remaining two suspects managed to make their escape in the enveloping darkness.

In a second contact later the same night, rangers conducting anti-poaching operations in an area nearby, made contact with a different group of suspected poachers. During this incident one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the other two managed to escape. A hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment were also recovered on the scene.

Early Wednesday morning, rangers on patrol in the Lower Sabie Section of the park close to the Mozambique boundary, made contact with a group of three suspected poachers. During this incident all three poachers were wounded and arrested. They are currently in hospital under police guard.

Whilst conducting anti-poaching operations on Monday, rangers in the Phalaborwa area of the KNP made contact with a group of three suspected poachers. One of the suspects was fatally wounded during the contact, while the remaining two suspects managed to evade arrest. Poaching equipment was recovered at the scene.