A 47-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested for illegal hunting and trespassing in the Kruger National Park (KNP) at Xitsalaleni Block on 12 May 2025.
According to information received, the Regional Ranger of the Marula North Section in Kruger National Park was alerted by Field Rangers from the Houtboschrand area, who had picked up tracks of two individuals inside the park.
The Regional Ranger immediately dispatched the K9 Unit to follow the tracks and requested helicopter support from Skukuza, along with hounds on standby.
Shortly thereafter, the K9 Unit made contact with the suspects. During the encounter, one suspect was shot and injured, while the other fled the scene.
The injured suspect was found in possession of a hunting rifle, six rounds of ammunition, and an axe.
Skukuza police were contacted, and the suspect was arrested and transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He is currently under police guard in the hospital.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Masoyi Periodical Court soon, facing charges of illegal hunting, trespassing Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges, as the suspect is undocumented and believed to be in the country illegally.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrest and praised the collaborative efforts between rangers and the police. “Rangers and police will continue working tirelessly to ensure the park remains safe from poachers. The Kruger National Park is a vital part of our heritage, a source of learning for future generations, and an important contributor to our provincial economy through tourism. We will not allow anyone to destroy what we treasure,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
