South African National Parks rangers shot dead a suspected rhino poacher and wounded two others at the Kruger National Park on Tuesday, the Hawks said.
“Park rangers noticed four men crossing a river at the Kruger Park and ordered them to stop. The men allegedly shot at the rangers who then returned fire,” Colonel McIntosh Polela said in a statement.
One of the poachers died on the scene and two were taken to hospital.
The fourth man was arrested and it was hoped he would lead authorities to another person involved in poaching.
A rifle and several knives, apparently for hacking off rhino horns, were confiscated.
“The arrested man has already admitted to the killing of three rhinos that were killed in the park last week,” Polela said.
He was expected to appear in court soon. — Sapa