The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on July 12.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the body was found at about 08:30, and it is suspected that he was killed during an exchange with field rangers the previous night, July 11, around 21:00.

Ndubane said that, according to a report, three field rangers were on patrol that night in the Nwari block when they came into contact with three suspected poachers.

ALSO READ: Suspected poachers killed in KNP

“The rangers ordered them to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire. Rangers reportedly fired back, and a shootout ensued. The alleged poachers are said to have fled into the vegetation, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit and returned to the camp,” she said.

ALSO READ: Four suspected poachers shot dead by KNP rangers

Ndubane also said that the next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to continue searching for the alleged poachers while patrolling the surrounding areas.

“It was during this time that they discovered the lifeless body of a male with a gunshot wound in the Lower Sabie region of the park. There was a backpack next to him. The police from Skukuza, as well as other role-players, were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by paramedics at the scene,” Ndubane said, adding that two rhino horns were found inside the backpack.

The deceased has not been identified, and the other two suspected poachers are still at large. An investigation is underway.