The body of an alleged poacher, discovered in the Kruger National Park (KNP) at around 08:30 on Saturday, July 12, has not yet been identified.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police are still trying to trace the man’s next of kin so that his body can be handed over to his family.

She said it was proving difficult to trace them, as the only people who can identify the body are the two other suspects who were with him when he was shot – and they are still at large.

It is believed that the man was fatally wounded during a confrontation with field rangers the previous night at about 21:00.

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Ndubane said that, according to a report, three field rangers were on patrol in the Nwari block that evening when they encountered three suspected poachers.

“The rangers ordered them to stop, and the suspects responded by opening fire. The rangers returned fire and a shoot-out ensued. The suspected poachers then fled into the surrounding vegetation, and due to poor visibility, the rangers abandoned the pursuit and returned to camp,” she said.

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The following morning, the rangers resumed their patrol in the area and continued searching for the suspects.

“It was during this time that they discovered the lifeless body of a man in the Lower Sabie region of the park, with a gunshot wound. A backpack was found next to him,” said Ndubane.

She confirmed that two rhino horns were found inside the backpack.

The Skukuza police and other role-players were immediately notified. Paramedics certified the man dead at the scene.

Anyone with information that could help identify the deceased is urged to contact their nearest police station.