One suspected poacher was killed and another two arrested in the Kruger National Park on Saturday January 26, according to a statement released by SANParks.
Reynold Thakhuli SANParks GM: Media Liaison & Stakeholder Relations, said the shoot-out had occurred in the Nwanetsi section of the park. He said a high-calibre hunting rifle fitted with a silencer, ammunition and poaching equipment had been recovered.
He said investigations indicated that there were no poached animals in the area, and therefore media reports stating that two rhino had been poached could not be verified as further investigations were under way.
Thakuli said that, contrary to media reports, SANParks rangers said a rhino that was thought to have been shot and sustained an injury on the leg had actually been involved in a fight with another rhino.
“This was verified by a veterinary service officer who attended to the animal. A further aerial survey of the area was done this morning and the rhino in question was observed roaming freely in the bush,” said Thakuli.
SANParks urged the public to assist with any information that might lead to the arrest of more would-be poachers. Anonymous SMS tip-offs can be sent to 32211.
