Suspected rhino poacher arrested after Kruger National Park shootout
A 32-year-old man was arrested after a shootout with field rangers in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested following an altercation with field rangers in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the arrest was made at approximately 23:55 on July 5 after field rangers conducting an observation patrol encountered four suspected rhino poachers.
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“The rangers pursued the suspects in an attempt to apprehend them. During the pursuit, a shootout ensued between the field rangers and the suspects. One of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds. The injured suspect was arrested at the scene and found in possession of a rifle. The three remaining suspects managed to evade arrest and remain at large,” she said.
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Nonyane-Mpe added that a second firearm, believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects, was recovered a few metres from the scene.
The injured suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment under police guard. He is expected to appear in court once he has been declared medically fit.
