Pretoria: The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park, said Mpumalanga police. The discovery was made on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am, with suspicions that the individual was shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July 2025 at around 9 pm, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to South African Government News Agency, the incident began when three field rangers, who were on patrol on Thursday night, encountered three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers opened fire, prompting the rangers to shoot back. The alleged poachers reportedly fled further into the dark, and due to poor lighting, the rangers abandoned their pursuit and returned to the camp.

The next morning, the rangers resumed their search for the alleged poachers while patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time that they discovered the lifeless body of a male with a gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of th
e park, lying on the ground, as reported by the police. A backpack was found next to the deceased.

The police from Skukuza, along with other involved parties, were immediately notified. Paramedics at the scene certified the man dead. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway, and the man has not yet been identified, according to the SAPS statement released on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers remain at large.