A tense night unfolded in Kruger National Park when rangers confronted two suspected poachers.
By the end of the standoff, one man was shot and arrested, and two rhino horns were recovered — a reminder of the continuing battle to protect South Africa’s wildlife.
How the Confrontation Began
It all started on Thursday morning when rangers spotted human tracks inside the park.
A tracking team was dispatched, and by 8 p.m., they came across two armed men. When ordered to stop, the suspects bolted toward a fence.
One of them allegedly raised his rifle at the rangers, forcing them to fire in self-defense.
The suspect then managed to climb the fence but collapsed in a nearby sugarcane field, dropping his weapon as he fell.
Rangers quickly caught up with him and discovered a backpack containing two rhino horns and a knife.
He had no permits for the firearm or for being inside the park.
The second suspect managed to escape and is still being hunted by authorities.
Arrest and Pending Court Case
Police later confirmed the seizure of the rhino horns and said the arrested suspect faces a long list of charges.
These include illegal hunting, possession of an unlicensed firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon, and trespassing in a national park.
The suspect is receiving medical treatment and will appear before the Masoyi Periodical Court once doctors clear him.
The Bigger Picture of Poaching
This incident is another chapter in South Africa’s ongoing poaching crisis.
Despite ongoing anti-poaching strategies like dehorning rhinos and boosting intelligence-led operations, the threat has not gone away.
In 2024, 420 rhinos were killed across the country — a drop from 499 in 2023.
Yet, Kruger National Park itself has actually seen a rise in poaching activity.
Praise for the Rangers’ Bravery
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the rangers for their courage, emphasizing that their job is not just about protecting wildlife but also about ensuring their own survival:
“Our rangers are trained professionals who defend themselves and our natural heritage.
Anyone who threatens them will face the full force of the law,” he said.
Tough Sentences for Wildlife Crime
Authorities also reminded the public that poaching carries severe consequences.
Earlier this month, two poachers were sentenced to 14 years in prison for a case dating back to 2018.
The ruling reinforced that wildlife crime won’t be taken lightly.
Manhunt Still Underway
Police are urging the public to assist in tracking down the second suspect.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Shegofatso Moreku at 082 077 5826, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS app.