The rifle found in the wounded suspect’s possession. >
A 32-year-old man has been arrested following a rhino poaching incident in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) after a shootout with Field Rangers during an observation patrol.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the arrest was made at approximately 23:55 on Sunday, July 5, when Field Rangers conducting an observation patrol encountered four suspected rhino poachers.
“The rangers pursued the suspects in an attempt to apprehend them. During the pursuit, a shootout ensued between the Field Rangers and the suspects. One of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds,” said Nonyane-Mpe.
She said the injured suspect was arrested at the scene and found in possession of a rifle, while the three remaining suspects managed to evade arrest and remain at large.
Nonyane-Mpe added that a second firearm, believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects, was recovered a few metres from the scene.
The injured suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment under police guard. He is expected to appear in court once he has been declared medically fit.
Police have launched a manhunt for the three suspects as investigations into the rhino poaching incident continue.
