Elephants kill suspected poacher in Kruger Park

A SUSPECTED poacher was killed by elephants in the Kruger National Park (KNP) while fleeing from rangers with two accomplices, South African National Parks (SANParks) said yesterday.

SANParks said one of the poacher’s accomplice’s was arrested during the incident on Saturday.

“The deceased and his accomplices were fleeing from rangers when they ran into a breeding herd of elephants,” SANParks said.

“Field rangers were out on a routine patrol at the Phabeni area when they detected spoor and made a follow-up in pursuit of the suspects.”

SANParks said three people were spotted by the rangers and they requested back-up from the Airwing and K9 unit.

When the three realised they were spotted, they dropped an axe and a bag with their provisions and tried to flee. One of the suspected poachers was arrested and informed the rangers that they ran into a herd of elephants, adding that he was not sure if his accomplices escaped.

“The rangers discovered his accomplice badly trampled; he had succumbed to his injuries. The third suspect is said to have been injured but continued to flee,” SANParks said. A rifle was recovered and the case was referred to police. Officers and the pathology team attended to the scene.”

Managing executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman, said the search for the third person was continuing and called on the community who live close to the park to assist with information.

“It is unfortunate that a life was unnecessarily lost. Only through discipline, teamwork and tenacity will we be able help stem the tide of rhino poaching in KNP,” Coleman said.

“The campaign against poaching is the responsibility of all of us; it threatens many livelihoods, destroys families and takes much needed resources to fight crime which could be used for creating jobs and development.”