A suspected poacher is believed to have been trampled to death at the Kruger National Park. 

SANParks noted that the incident is believed to have unfolded on Friday, 11 September, when two men gained unlawful to the Pafuri area, in the northernmost region of the park.  

“Preliminary information suggests that the two suspects encountered a herd of elephants while inside the Park and fled in different directions, subsequently losing contact with one another,” said SANParks.  

Park rangers were informed of the incident on Saturday, by the surviving man, who managed to return home, and report his accomplice missing.  

The man indicated that he heard his accomplice screaming during the incident.  

SANParks advised that the missing man’s body was later found.  

“Rangers followed tracks from the Luvuvhu River for approximately six kilometres into the Park, where they discovered the body of the missing suspect.”  

The remains of a buffalo were also found during the search, and park rangers suspect the animal was illegally hunted.  

“SAPS has been informed and will continue with the necessary investigative and forensic processes.” 

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