A suspected poacher was killed by elephants while attempting to escape from wildlife rangers in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
The unidentified man was believed to be hunting rhinos in the park’s southern region when the incident occurred on Saturday.
Rangers had spotted the tracks of three suspected poachers in the Phabeni area and began pursuing them. The men tried to flee, but one was apprehended with the help of helicopter and dog units.
After being caught, the suspect informed rangers that they had encountered a herd of elephants with calves during their escape.
He feared that one of his accomplices had been trampled. When rangers followed the poachers’ trail, they discovered the body of a man who the elephants had fatally trampled.
The third poacher, believed to have sustained an eye injury, managed to evade capture and is currently being sought by police. Rangers recovered a discarded bag containing an axe, provisions, and a rifle.
Gareth Coleman, Managing Executive of Kruger National Park, praised the efforts of the rangers, aviators, and K9 unit, emphasizing their dedication to combating rhino poaching.
He expressed regret over the loss of life, saying, “It is unfortunate that a life was unnecessarily lost. We hope to curb rhino poaching in the park through discipline, teamwork, and persistence.”
Coleman also urged local communities to assist law enforcement in identifying and capturing the third suspect, highlighting that poaching threatens livelihoods, disrupts families, and diverts valuable resources that could otherwise be used for job creation and development.
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