A 32-year-old man is under arrest and receiving medical treatment after being shot during a confrontation with field rangers in the Kruger National Park on Thursday evening. The incident, which unfolded over a 12-hour period, led to the recovery of two rhino horns and an illegal firearm.
According to official reports, the event began at approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 18 September 2025, when field rangers on patrol in the Crocodile Bridge section discovered fresh human tracks. A follow-up operation was immediately launched, with rangers tracking the footprints toward the park’s southern boundary throughout the day.
The situation escalated at around 20:00 that evening when rangers encountered two armed suspects. The suspects were ordered to stop but instead attempted to flee, trying to scale a nearby fence. Authorities state that during the pursuit, one of the suspects turned and pointed a rifle at the rangers. Per standard protocol, the rangers opened fire in self-defence.
Both individuals managed to cross the fence and continued their escape. However, one suspect dropped his rifle and collapsed a short distance away near a sugarcane field. His accomplice escaped into the fields and remains at large.
The Skukuza Police Station was notified immediately, and an ambulance along with the Skukuza medical doctor were dispatched to the scene.
The injured suspect was found in possession of a backpack containing two rhino horns and a knife. He was unable to produce any permits authorizing his presence in the national park or for the possession of the firearm recovered at the scene.
Following an investigation, the Section Ranger and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Skukuza confirmed the recovery of the rhino horns. The apprehended suspect has been charged with:
-
Trespassing in a national park
-
Illegal hunting
-
Possession of an unlicensed firearm
-
Possession of a dangerous weapon
The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. He is scheduled to appear in the Masoyi Periodical Court as soon as he is declared medically fit. A manhunt for the second suspect is ongoing.
