Baku:Vhembe A meticulously planned operation in the Vhembe District has led to the arrest of four suspects connected to the attempted murder of Rangers in the Kruger National Park and wildlife poaching, among other offenses.

According to South African Police Service, the incident occurred on Saturday, 07 November 2026, with the identification and location of the male suspects involved in a shootout with Rangers at the Xipala Section being determined during subsequent investigations. A case of attempted murder was opened at Saselamani Police Station on Sunday, 08 November 2026.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 11 November 2026, a joint team, including members of the Saselamani Detectives Unit, Vhembe District Tracing Team, and Musina Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), conducted a tactical operation at Nkotswi and Bennde villages in the Makuya policing area. During the operation, three male suspects, aged between 21 and 30, were apprehended for attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and illegal hunting and poaching of game.

Additionally, a 36-year-old Zimbabwean female suspect was arrested for possessing suspected game meat, believed to be buffalo and valued at R2,000. She faces an additional charge for contravening the Immigration Act as an illegal immigrant. Police also seized an unlicensed hunting rifle suspected to have been used in the crimes.

The four suspects are scheduled to appear before the Makuya Periodical Court on Thursday, 12 November 2026, facing charges including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of suspected game meat, contravention of the Immigration Act, and illegal hunting and poaching of game.