A suspected rhino poacher has been arrested following an exchange of gunfire with field rangers during a late-night anti-poaching patrol in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, while authorities continue searching for three other suspects who escaped.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on 5 July in the Pretoriuskop section of the national park, one of the country’s key wildlife conservation areas.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), field rangers conducting an observation patrol encountered four men suspected of being involved in illegal rhino poaching activities.
The rangers attempted to apprehend the group, triggering a pursuit through the park.
Gun battle leaves one suspect wounded
Police said the confrontation escalated into a shootout as the suspects allegedly opened fire while attempting to evade arrest.
During the exchange, one of the suspected poachers, a 32-year-old man, sustained gunshot wounds and was arrested at the scene.
Authorities recovered a rifle from the injured suspect during the arrest.
Investigators also discovered a second firearm that is believed to have been abandoned by one of the three suspects who managed to flee the area.
The arrested suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment.
He is expected to appear in court once doctors declare him medically fit.
Manhunt underway for three remaining suspects
Following the incident, SAPS launched a joint operation with Kruger National Park authorities to locate and arrest the three outstanding suspects.
Search teams continue to comb the surrounding area as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged poaching operation.
Kruger National Park remains one of Africa’s most important wildlife conservation areas and has long been a primary target for organised rhino poaching syndicates because of its significant rhino population.
South African authorities have intensified anti-poaching operations in recent years through increased ranger patrols, intelligence-led investigations and cooperation between conservation agencies and law enforcement.
Officials say these coordinated efforts are aimed at disrupting wildlife trafficking networks and protecting endangered rhino populations from illegal hunting.
The investigation into the latest incident remains ongoing.
Source: The South African