Rhino poachers shot dead in Kruger Park

Three suspected rhino poachers have been shot dead in the Kruger National Park, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said on Thursday.

“On Wednesday at about 8pm, three poachers were fatally wounded in the Kruger National Park north of the Olifants River at Houtbosrand area, when SANDF soldiers came across suspected poachers,” said spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Marinda Meyer.

“The poachers fired on the SANDF soldiers, who returned fire,” she said.

An AK-47 assault rifle, a hunting rifle, two axes and two cellphones were found in the men’s possession.

The SANDF started guarding the park’s borders in April 2010.

“The SANDF contributes and plays a very critical role in the curbing of rhino-poaching as part of their support to [SA National Parks] along the Kruger National Park, which borders the neighbouring countries,” Meyer said.—Sapa