A poacher who illegally entered South Africa’s Kruger National Park alongside an accomplice to hunt animals was found dead after encountering a herd of elephants. In a statement, South African National Parks (SANParks) detailed that the Kruger National Park rangers received information last Saturday (Sep 12) that two suspected poachers had entered the park through the Pafuri area, a day earlier.
One of the suspects later returned home and reported that his accomplice was missing, stating that he had heard him screaming during the incident. Subsequently, the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Together with the assistance of the local community, one suspect was arrested.
“The individual subsequently admitted to participating in the unlawful entry into the park and accompanied SANParks Rangers from the Pafuri Ranger Post to the area where the incident reportedly occurred,” the statement noted.
“Rangers followed tracks from the Luvuvhu River for approximately six kilometres into the park, where they discovered the body of the missing suspect. During the search, the remains of a buffalo, believed to have been illegally hunted, were also found.”
The exact circumstances of the poacher’s death have not been officially confirmed.
SAPS said it was investigating the case using “forensic processes.”
