Kruger National Park

Media release: Man killed in KNP

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Date: 29th July 2005

The Executive Director of the Kruger National Park, Dr Bandile Mkhize reacted with shock after hearing that a man was killed by lions after he forced entry into the Kruger National Park yesterday evening (Thursday July 28, 2005).

The Executive Director of the Kruger National Park, Dr Bandile Mkhize reacted with shock after hearing that a man was killed by lions after he forced entry into the Kruger National Park yesterday evening (Thursday July 28, 2005).

“We wish to send our sincere sympathies to the man’s next of kin as we truly regret the unnecessary loss of life,” said Dr Mkhize.

KNP rangers shot one of the lions, a male, in order to recover the man’s body and are searching for the second lion, a female, as it is believed that this lion could endanger the communities living near the Park.

The incident began at around gate closing time (17:30) last night when the man eluded security guards manning Phalaborwa Entrance Gate and ran into the bush near the gate.

KNP Rangers were immediately alerted and started looking for the man but, because of the thick mopani bushveld and rapidly descending darkness, could not locate him and the search had to be called off.

At first light, rangers resumed their search and eventually found the man’s remains.

“The KNP takes this opportunity to stress to the neighbouring communities living adjacent the Park that entering the park in this way is not only highly dangerous, but it is also illegal,” Dr Mkhize concluded. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) are presently conducting a full investigation into the incident.

… Ends

Issued by:
Raymond Travers
Media Relations Practitioner
Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4116
Cell: 082 908 2677
E-mail

Enquiries:
William Mabasa
HOD: Public Relations and Communications
Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363
Cell: 082 807 3919
E-mail