Kruger National Park

Media Release: Two rhino killed in Kruger

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Date: 12th October 2011

Two fresh white rhino carcasses (cow and calf), were discovered this morning, 11 October 2011 at Albasini Road, in the Pretoriuskop Ranger Section of the Kruger National Park (KNP). The two animals were both shot on the head and only one front horn was removed, the rest still intact.

“We believe that this is truly a despicable act and would like to encourage everybody to come forward and report any suspicious movements because criminals who conduct this evil assault on our wildlife must be put away”, said the KNP’s HOD: Public Relations, William Mabasa.

The poachers are still at large but investigations are currently underway.

In a strange twist of fate, but unrelated to the poaching incident, a fire broke out from one of the safari tents at Lower Sabie Rest Camp around 06:00 this morning; completely burning down the tent. The South African couple, who were staying in the tent went out on an early morning drive and upon return just before noon, were shaken to find their tent in ashes.

Rangers managed to stop the fire before it caught the other tents but all items in that tent including guests’ belongings could not be saved. This incident is also still being investigated at this stage.

Issued by:
Laura Mukwevho, Media Relations Practitioner, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: (013) 735 4262, cell: 082 807 1441 or e-mail: laura.mukwevho@sanparks.org

For enquiries please contact either:
William Mabasa, HOD: Public Relations and Communication, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919 or e-mail: william.mabasa@sanparks.org OR Reynold Thakhuli, GM: Events, Media and Stakeholder Relations. Contact: Tel (012)  426 5203/073 373 4999; e-mail: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org