Elephants trample ‘rhino poacher’ to death at Kruger National Park

AP
Leah Sinclair19 April 2021

A suspected poacher was trampled to death by elephants at Kruger National Park.

The body of the unnamed man was discovered in the southern portion of the South African-based park on Sunday.

It is believed that the man was hunting rhinos along with two other men before rangers discovered their tracks and chased them.

They captured one suspected poacher after using helicopters and dogs to chase the party down.

The captured poacher told them he feared one of his group had been killed after they ran into a herd of elephants and their calves.

Rangers found a dead body after retracing the group’s steps where they also allegedly found a bag carrying a rifle, an axe and other items.

Police are currently seeking the third suspect who is believed to have an injured eye.

Managing executive of Kruger National Park, Gareth Coleman, said he is “proud “of the Rangers Corps for their “teamwork and dedication”, adding that it was “unfortunate” that a life was lost.

He also called on anyone with information on the alleged third poacher to come forward.

Mr Coleman said: “The campaign against poaching is the responsibility of all us; it threatens many livelihoods, destroys families and takes much-needed resources to fight crime which could be used for creating jobs and development.”

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. It is home to hundreds of mammals including lions, tigers, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.

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