SANParks probe possible rhino death

2011-02-07 19:49

Durban - The SA National Parks (SANParks) is investigating whether any rhinos were killed in the Kruger National Park where three poachers were shot dead by game rangers.

"At this stage we are still investigating whether any rhinos were killed," said SANParks spokesperson Wanda Mkutshulwa.

She said three poachers were shot dead and one was injured, during a gunfight with Kruger National Park game rangers on Sunday. A fifth poacher managed to escape.

"The incident happened on Sunday night. At this stage no arrests have been made," said Mkutshulwa.

The shooting happened in the Stolsnek section of the Kruger National Park.

An R5 rifle, ammunition and poaching tools were found on the scene.

In another incident a poacher was shot dead by field rangers in Hluhulwe-iMfolozi game park in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

"Field rangers and members of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park anti-poaching unit shot dead a suspected poacher in an exchange of gunfire in the Makhamisa section of the park late on Saturday afternoon," said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Jeff Gaisford.

Opened fire

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff members heard three shots fired "fairly close" to them, went to investigate and spotted two suspected poachers.

Gaisford said one of the men was armed with an R1 rifle and opened fire on the rangers, who shot back.

"In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the suspected poacher carrying the R1 rifle was shot dead and the other managed to escape, dropping a .303 rifle in the process." No rangers were injured.

"The Ezemvelo group could not immediately locate a rhino carcass and the search was resumed by helicopter early on Sunday," said Gaisford.

"Staff are hoping that the suspected poachers may have missed the rhino altogether, but are continuing to monitor rhinos in the area in case an animal was wounded."

Gaisford said the carcasses of two dehorned black rhinos were found in Zibozini, in the Ophathe Game Reserve, on Friday.

"It was estimated that the animals had been shot three days previously. Both horns were missing and it is unclear whether these were removed by scavengers or poachers," he said.

Ezemvelo staff was helping the Richard's Bay organised crime unit in the cases.

- SAPA