Kamogelo Muvhenzhe
A suspected poacher was trampled to death by a herd of elephants at the Kruger National Park on Saturday.
Spokesman for the South African National Parks Isaac Phaahla said the man and his two accomplices were fleeing from rangers when they ran into a herd of breeding elephants.
“Two suspects were spotted by the rangers and when they tried to run away, rangers requested back-up from the Airwing and K9 unit,” Phaahla said.
“When they realised they had been spotted, the suspected poachers dropped an axe and a bag with their provisions and tried to flee.”
One of the suspects was arrested and he informed the rangers that he and his accomplices ran into a herd of elephants and was not sure if his accomplice had escaped.
The rangers discovered the badly trampled body after his accomplice was arrested.
The third suspect who was also injured managed to flee.
Phaahla said a rifle was recovered and the case was referred to police who attended the scene with a pathology team.
Kruger National Park is the largest poaching target in Southern Africa.
Picture source: @SANParksAENP
