Suspected poacher arrested after shootout in Kruger National Park

An axe, a knife and a hunting rifle were among the weapons confiscated by rangers at the Kruger National Park when they apprehended a suspected poacher.

A 42-year-old foreign national was arrested following an alleged poaching incident in the Kruger National Park on Tuesday, reports Lowvelder.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, field rangers were conducting routine patrols in the park when they encountered two suspects on foot at approximately 22:00.

“When rangers attempted to stop and arrest the individuals, a shootout ensued. During the exchange, one suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was successfully apprehended. The second suspect managed to evade arrest and remains at large. A manhunt is currently under way,” she said.

The axe. Photo: SAPS/Supplied

Rangers reportedly confiscated a hunting rifle, eight rounds of ammunition, an axe and a knife from the suspect.

The hunting rifle. Photo: SAPS/Supplied

The injured suspect was subsequently transported to the nearest hospital for medical treatment under police guard.

He is expected to face charges including possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, trespassing in a national park and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa (13 of 2002).

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Tumelo Waga Dibakwane

Tumelo Waga Dibakwane is a seasoned journalist, who started his career in 2012. He is actively involved in a variety of socio-economic stories that affect communities in the Lowveld at a grassroots level. He has have covered a myriad of stories, some of which have highlighted the plight of township and village life.
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