Polokwane: A 32-year-old poacher was shot and injured during a confrontation with field rangers in the Crocodile Bridge section of Kruger National Park on the evening of Thursday, 18 September 2025, at approximately 20:00. The incident unfolded after rangers discovered human tracks at around 07:30 that morning and initiated a follow-up operation, tracking the footprints toward the park’s southern boundary throughout the day.
According to South African Police Service, rangers encountered two armed suspects moving toward them at approximately 20:00. When instructed to stop, the suspects attempted to flee and tried to scale a nearby fence. During the pursuit, one of the suspects allegedly pointed a rifle at the rangers, prompting them to open fire in self-defence. Both suspects managed to jump over the fence and continued to flee. One suspect dropped his rifle and collapsed a short distance away near a sugarcane field, while the second suspect escaped into the sugarcane fields and remains at large.
The Skukuza Police Station was immediately notified, and both an ambulance and the Skukuza medical doctor were dispatched to the scene. The injured suspect was found in possession of a backpack containing two rhino horns and a knife. He was unable to produce any permits authorizing his presence in the park or for the possession of the firearm recovered at the scene.
Following further investigation, the Section Ranger and members of the Skukuza SAPS confirmed the recovery of the rhino horns. The suspect was arrested and is facing charges of trespassing in a national park, illegal hunting, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of a dangerous weapon. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and will appear in the Masoyi Periodical Court as soon as he is declared medically fit.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspect who fled the scene to contact Detective Constable Shegofatso Moreku at 082 077 5826, or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and issued a stern warning: ‘We commend the rangers for their swift response and bravery in the face of danger. Anyone who dares to threaten or attack our field rangers will face the full might of the law. Our rangers are not passive observers – they are trained professionals who will defend themselves and our natural heritage.’