PAFURI – The body of a suspected poacher was found approximately six kilometres into the Kruger National Park after he and another suspected poacher apparently encountered a herd of elephants.
This follows information received by rangers in the Kruger National Park that two suspected poachers allegedly illegally entered the Park in the Pafuri area on Friday 11 September.
Preliminary information suggests that the two suspects encountered a herd of elephants whilst inside the Park and they fled in different directions, subsequently losing contact with one another.
One of the suspects later returned home and reported that his accomplice was missing, indicating that he had heard him screaming during the incident, says JP Louw, spokesperson and Head of Communication at South African National Parks (SANParks).
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The matter was reported to the South African Police Service and with the assistance of the local community, one suspect was arrested.
Rangers discover body after six-kilometre search
This 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.
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.
Louw said the South African Police Service has been informed and will continue with the necessary investigative and forensic processes.
