Two suspected poachers killed

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Pretoria - Two suspected rhino poachers were killed after a shootout with rangers on the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park on Wednesday.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), rangers involved in an anti-poaching operation came across a group of suspected poachers.

A shootout ensued and the two suspects, both from Mozambique, were fatally wounded.

A 375 rifle and other hunting equipment were discovered, said SANParks General Manager: Media Liaison, Reynold Thakhuli.

An aerial search is being conducted to determine if any rhino had been killed, he added.

The follow-up operation came after eight rhino carcasses were found on Tuesday.

While SANParks expressed regret over the deaths of the suspected poachers, it also appealed to the public to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of poachers.