Man’s body discovered in Mapungubwe by rangers

THE South African National Parks (Sanparks) confirmed that the body of a man, estimated to be in his early 40s, was discovered in the western side of the Mapungubwe National Park on Saturday .

The lifeless body was discovered by rangers who were on patrol.

According to Sanparks spokesperson, Divhani Maremba, it is believed that he might have been trampled to death by an elephant.

She said preliminary investigations have revealed that the man, who is believed to be a Zimbabwean national, was in the company of a group of people because numerous footprints were discovered in the vicinity of the incident.

Maremba said a Zimbabwean passport and a cell phone were discovered in the man’s possession.

A police investigation is underway.

In related news, Maremba said four men were arrested at Mapungubwe for poaching a white rhino.

“Three weeks ago, a rhino carcass was found in the Mapungubwe National Park.

Sanparks’ environmental crime investigators (ECI) in partnership with the SAPS special organised crime unit, arrested four suspected rhino poachers following the death of this white rhino on July 23.

“The four were arrested on Friday August 15 and appeared before the Makhado magistrate’s court two weeks ago,” she said.

According to Sanparks acting head of communications, Reynold Thakhuli, the case was remanded and suspects will remain in custody until their next appearance next Tuesday.

“The suspects are Job Basi Tlou from Kwa-Mahlanga in Mpumalanga, Percy Manengena from Alldays in Limpopo as well as Johannes Podile Sematla and Lebala Sematla from the farm Den Staat, a neighbour of Mapungubwe,” said Thakhuli.