A 32-year-old man has been arrested following an altercation with field rangers in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park (KNP), reports Lowvelder.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the arrest was made at approximately 23:55 on Sunday (July 5) after field rangers conducting an observation patrol encountered four suspected rhino poachers.

“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.

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.

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