Bohlokong: A 31-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as for trespassing in the Satara area of the Kruger National Park. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14 June 2025, at approximately 00:45.
According to South African Police Service, rangers were on patrol near the Satara area when they encountered three African males walking near Ngotso Dam. One of the individuals was carrying a firearm, while the others had backpacks. The rangers immediately ordered the suspects to stop and instructed the armed individual to drop the weapon. However, instead of complying, the suspect allegedly pointed the firearm at the rangers and opened fire.
In response, the rangers returned fire. As a result, two of the suspects sustained serious injuries while the third fled the scene.
Police and emergency services, including medical personnel from Skukuza, were called to the scene. While the injured suspects were being attended to, one of them succumbed to his injuries. The surviving suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under police guard.
The following items were recovered at the scene: one hunting rifle, five live rounds of ammunition, an axe, a knife, and two cellphones. The suspects are believed to be illegal immigrants from Mozambique. A case has been opened, and charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, trespassing, and attempted murder have been laid. One suspect is still at large.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court as soon as he is discharged from the hospital. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being added.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and issued a stern warning: “Rangers and police will continue working tirelessly to ensure the park remains safe from poachers. The Kruger National Park is a vital part of our heritage, a source of learning for future generations, and an important contributor to our provincial economy through tourism. We will not allow anyone to destroy what we treasure,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.