By Mapaballo Borotho

- A suspected poacher was found dead inside the Kruger National Park after allegedly fleeing from a herd of elephants.
- SANParks says the man and another suspect had illegally entered the park through the Pafuri area.
- Rangers also discovered the remains of a buffalo believed to have been illegally hunted, while SAPS has been informed.
A suspected animal poacher was found dead in the Kruger National Park after reportedly fleeing from a herd of elephants following an illegal incursion through the Pafuri area.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said Kruger National Park rangers received information on Saturday, 12 September 2026, about two suspected poachers who had allegedly entered the park illegally through the Pafuri area on Friday, 11 September 2026.
The two suspects reportedly encountered a herd of elephants while inside the park and ran in different directions, 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,” Louw said.
Louw said the 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.”
Louw said the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been informed and have taken over the investigation.
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