The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park, said Mpumalanga police.

“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.

“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

"The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.

A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.

“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large. -