Two suspected poachers were fatally wounded in two separate shoot-outs with rangers in the Kruger National Park.

According to a Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the Lower Sabie Section’s rangers discovered two suspected poachers in Skukuza at around 15:00 on Friday, March 21.

“The two suspects ran into the bushes. The rangers traced them and spotted them again at about 18:15. The two alleged poachers reportedly started shooting at the rangers, who returned fire. One of the suspects was shot dead, while the other got away,” Ndubane said.

She said the rangers alerted medical services, but the man succumbed to his injuries before he could receive treatment.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Mpumalanga tourism department deploys police to closed sites

“While processing the scene, a hunting rifle with two rounds of ammunition and a knife were found in the deceased’s possession. The circumstances surrounding this incident will form part of the police’s investigation. The man has not yet been identified,” she said.

Ndubane also said the police are investigating a similar incident that occurred near the Malelane Gate on Tuesday, March 18.

ALSO READ: Mbombela | 34 illegal immigrants face deportation

“During that incident, two alleged poachers were spotted by rangers. A shoot-out ensued. One got away and the other sustained injuries and died soon after. A hunting rifle with ammunition was also found in his possession. This alleged poacher has also not been identified,” she said.