Poacher caught after Kruger shoot-out

2011-12-12 21:27

Johannesburg - A suspected rhino poacher was arrested in the N'wanetsi section of the Kruger National Park (KNP), SA National Parks said on Monday.

SANParks and SA National Defence Force members came across three armed suspected poachers and a shoot-out ensued on Sunday afternoon, spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said.

"This led to one suspect being wounded and arrested. The other two managed to escape back into Mozambique. We are liaising with our counterparts on that side to be on the lookout for the other two men."

A hunting rifle and four fresh rhino horns were recovered. One rhino carcass was found, while the second was being sought.

The man was in hospital under police guard and expected to appear in court soon.

"We will be on high alert for poachers this holiday season. We will not leave any stone unturned. Since January this year, 431 rhino have been killed and 244 of them in the KNP," Thakhuli said.

Seventy-eight suspected poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park this year.

- SAPA