South Africa:Suspected Poacher Killed by Elephants in the KNP

South African National Parks (SANParks) today, 18 April 2021 reported the death of a suspected poacher in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and the arrest of one accomplice which took place yesterday on 17 April. The deceased and his accomplices were fleeing from Rangers when they ran into a breeding herd of elephants.

Field Rangers were out on a routine patrol at the Phabeni area when they detected incoming spoor and made a follow up in pursuit of the suspects. Three individuals were spotted by the Rangers and attempted to run away, but Rangers requested backup from the Airwing and K9 unit. When they realised they had been spotted, the suspected poachers dropped an axe and a bag with their provisions in an attempt to escape from the rangers.

One of the suspects was arrested following assistance from the Airwing and K9 unit. The suspect informed the rangers that the group had run into a herd of elephants and was not sure if his accomplice had managed to escape. The Rangers discovered his accomplice badly trampled and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The third suspect is said to have been injured in the eye but continued to flee. A rifle was recovered and the case was referred to police, who together with the pathology team attended to the scene.

The Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman congratulated all those involved in the arrests “we are proud of the teamwork and dedication of our Rangers Corp, our aviators and the K9 unit. It is unfortunate that a life was unnecessarily lost. Only through discipline, teamwork and tenacity will we be able to help stem the tide of rhino poaching in KNP.”

The search for the third suspect is underway. Coleman has called on the community members living close to the KNP to assist with information. “The campaign against poaching is the responsibility of all us; it threatens many livelihoods, destroys families and takes much-needed resources to fight crime which could be used for creating jobs and development” concluded Coleman.

Issued by:
South African National Parks – Kruger National Park

Media enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications and Marketing, KNP
Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]

 

Source – SANParks