Image: Facebook / South African Police Service
Two separate shootouts between Kruger National Park (KNP) field rangers and alleged poachers this week have left multiple suspects dead.
On Friday, 21 March 2025, rangers from SANParks’ Lower Sabie Section encountered two suspected poachers during a routine patrol near Skukuza, said the South African Police Service Office of the Provincial Commissioner Mpumalanga in a statement released on Saturday.
At approximately 15:00, the suspects fled into nearby bushes after being spotted. A three-hour tracking operation ensued, culminating in a second confrontation at 18:15.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the rangers, who then returned fire. One suspect was fatally wounded, while the other escaped. Medical personnel were summoned, but the injured suspect died before treatment could be administered.
A hunting rifle with two rounds of ammunition and a knife were recovered from the deceased, whose identity remains unknown.
The Skukuza SAPS are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
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This incident follows an alleged clash between field rangers and poaching suspects near the Malelane Gate on Tuesday, 18 March, states the SAPS.
“Two alleged poachers were spotted by the Field Rangers. A shootout ensued between the Rangers and the alleged poachers. One vanished into thin air and the other one sustained some injuries then later succumbed. A hunting rifle with ammunition were also found in his possession. The alleged poacher has also not been identified,” the statement issued by SAPS reads.
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane confirmed both cases are under investigation, with no arrests made thus far.
While SANParks has not released an official statement, the recurring clashes bring to light the persistent threat posed by poaching syndicates.
Visitors to Kruger National Park are urged to report suspicious activity and avoid engaging with potential poachers.
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