News

The Kruger National Park (KNP) Rangers received information on Saturday, 12 September 2026, regarding two suspected poachers who allegedly illegally 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. 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. 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 kilometres 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.

SAPS has been informed and will continue with the necessary investigative and forensic processes.