Kruger Ranger Tragically Killed in Buffalo Shooting Accident

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the tragic passing away of a field ranger in the world famous Kruger National Park. Whilst on active anti-poaching patrol, the field ranger was accidentally shot by a colleague after they were charged by a lone buffalo bull at a very short distance in the Malelane section.

In a statement this afternoon, SANParks said that according to his colleague, the two were charged by a buffalo bull and in the ensuing confusion managed to find cover from where they attempted to neutralise the animal…but unfortunately the deceased appears to have been caught in the cross fire, and sustained a fatal bullet wound to his upper body.

A doctor was immediately flown to the scene by SANParks helicopter. A fully equipped AMS medical emergency helicopter based at Nelspruit was also requested and immediately dispatched to the scene.

The critically injured ranger was stabilized at the scene and flown immediately to the Nelspruit Medi Clinic. He was then rushed into theatre but tragically later succumbed to his injuries.

Reacting to the news, SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni passed on his sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues.

“It is a sad day for us as a family, we have lost one of our own, a dedicated colleague and friend who not only served the organisation but the entire globe to ensure the integrity of our natural heritage.

“We did all we could to save his life but unfortunately we lost him. We hope this tragic incident will inspire our colleagues to carry on with the sterling work he was doing in the field, so that his death is not in vain” concluded Mketeni.

The name of the deceased cannot be released as his next of kin have yet to be informed and his colleague is receiving trauma counselling.

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Two Poaching Suspects Fatally Wounded After Tourist Sighting

In other news from the Kruger today, SANParks announced that after a “suspicious man wearing a black shirt armed with what looked like a heavy calibre hunting rifle was spotted by tourists walking in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on the 13th of January 2016, around the Napi section of the park,” the man – and a second suspect – were fatally wounded during an ambush.

According to KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips, after at least two sets of visitors informed the  authorities about this suspect, a helicopter with the assistance of the K9 Specialised dog unit was deployed to attend to the matter.

Phillips said in the subsequent search by Rangers it appeared that the man was not alone, as he was found with a second suspect in the bush.

“As the Rangers ordered the men to surrender they opened fire and a shoot-out ensued with Rangers, in which both suspects were fatally wounded and a high calibre hunting rifle was recovered.”

According to Phillips the matter is now under Police investigation and surveillance of the area is continuing to determine if any animals were killed or if there are more suspects in the vicinity.

Phillips also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the visitors in reporting the matter and encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious individual seen in the Park to the nearest camp or to call the KNP’s emergency numbers on 013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679.

Source: SANParks Media Release