The Kruger National Park (KNP) will not tolarate poaching anymore. This was the message sent when two poachers were killed in the park’s Napi section.
KNP managing executive Mr Glen Philips confirmed that a suspicious man wearing a black shirt, armed with what looked like a heavy calibre hunting rifle, was spotted by tourists walking in the park. A helicopter and the police’s K9 specialised dog unit was deployed to the scene.
He said in the subsequent search by Rangers it appeared that the man was not alone, as he was found with a second suspect in the bush. “As the Rangers ordered the men to surrender they opened fire and a shoot-out ensued with Rangers, in which both suspects were fatally wounded and a high calibre hunting rifle was recovered.”
According to Phillips the matter is now under Police investigation and surveillance of the area is continuing to determine if any animals were killed or if there are more suspects in the vicinity.
Phillips also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the visitors in reporting the matter. He further encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious individual seen in the Park to the nearest camp or to call the KNP’s emergency numbers on 013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679.
Issued by:
Communications & Marketing Department – Kruger National Park.
Enquiries:
William Mabasa, GM: Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919 or email: william.mabasa@sanparks.org
Reynold Thakhuli: Acting Head of Communications, SANParks. Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999; Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org
