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

Lowvelder reports that, according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the body was found at about 08:30. It is suspected that he was killed during an exchange with field rangers the previous night at around 21:00.

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

The rangers ordered them to stop, but the suspects allegedly opened fire. Rangers reportedly fired back, and a shoot-out 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.

Ndubane said the next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to continue searching for the suspects 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. 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 remain at large. An investigation is underway.

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