Mbombela (Nelspruit) – A suspected poacher has been found dead inside the Kruger National Park (KNP) after his accomplice reported him missing.
Narrating events leading to the discovery of the body, the KNP said rangers received information on Saturday, 12 September 2026, regarding two suspected poachers who illegally entered the park.
The suspects entered the park through the Pafuri area on Friday, 11 September 2026.
“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,” the KNP said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
“One of the suspects later returned home and reported that his accomplice was missing, indicating that he had heard him screaming during the incident.”
The matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“With the assistance of the local community, one suspect was arrested,” said KNP spokesperson JP Louw.
“The individual subsequently admitted to participating in the unlawful entry into the Park and accompanied SANParks Rangers from the Pafuri Ranger Post to the area where the incident reportedly occurred.
“Rangers followed tracks from the Luvuvhu River for approximately six km into the Park, where they discovered the body of the missing suspect.”
During the search, the remains of a buffalo, believed to have been illegally hunted, were also found.
Louw said SAPS has been informed about the dead suspect and will continue with the necessary investigative and forensic processes.
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