Two Armed Suspects from Mozambique Apprehended for Poaching in Kruger National Park
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, two Mozambican men, aged 29 and 38, were arrested in Kruger National Park for illegal hunting, along with charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Their capture stemmed from a detailed operation involving field rangers, a K9 unit, helicopters, and tracking dogs.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson for Mpumalanga police, mentioned that the suspects also face charges for trespassing in the Houtboschrand Ranger area, located in the park’s Marula North section. The arrests happened after field rangers on patrol discovered tracks left by three suspected poachers.
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“The arrest came after field rangers on patrol found tracks belonging to three suspected poachers. They quickly informed their regional ranger in the Marula North section, who then dispatched the K9 unit for tracking,” Ndubane stated.
Mozambican Poachers Found Hiding in Burrow with Rifle and Ammo
As the search intensified, rangers confirmed sightings of the suspects and alerted backup teams. Helicopters and dogs were sent to the Gorge Block area, where the suspects were last seen.
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“One helicopter and the tracking dogs began searching in the area where the poachers had been spotted,” Ndubane clarified. “Eventually, they managed to locate two of the three suspects, who had hidden in a small bush and under an antbear burrow.”
The two apprehended suspects were found in possession of a hunting rifle and eleven rounds of ammunition, while the third suspect escaped and remains at large. The apprehended individuals are expected to appear in the Skukuza Periodical Court soon.
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The Fight Against Poaching in Kruger Intensifies
The recent arrests come amid heightened efforts to address illegal poaching in South Africa’s renowned wildlife reserve. Just last week, the Skukuza Regional Court sentenced 41-year-old rhino poacher Nelson Sambo to 20 years in prison for his role in rhinoceros poaching within the park.
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On December 2, 2020, Sambo and another individual, identified only as Gabriel, entered the Kruger via the Stolznek section. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, “On that day, field rangers heard gunshots in the Stolznek area. The incident was immediately reported, and assistance was requested from Skukuza Airport.”
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Authorities are increasing patrols and surveillance to protect Kruger’s endangered wildlife and deter illegal hunting activities.
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