SANParks has announced that anti-poaching units killed a suspected poacher and recovered a firearm. They released a statement on 7 February 2026
The statement, issued by SANParks Head of Communications, JP Louw, highlights the park’s ongoing commitment to poaching countermeasures despite the recent floods.
Relentless Fight Against Rhino Poaching in Kruger National Park@SANParks
In a relentless fight against illicit wildlife crime including rhino poaching, South African National Parks (SANParks) confirms two recent anti-poaching incidents in the Kruger National Park,…
Two anti-poaching incidents
According to Louw’s statement,
“In a relentless fight against illicit wildlife crime, including rhino poaching, South African National Parks confirms two recent anti-poaching incidents in the Kruger National Park”
According to the details provided in the statement, on 5 February, park rangers on patrol encountered suspected poachers in the Malelane section of the park. Unfortunately, the suspects were able to escape from the rangers.
However, as the rangers continued to search the area, they discovered a high-calibre rifle and bags thought to belong to the alleged poachers at the scene. The statement adds that this represents a “significant disruption to poaching activities.”
Fatal encounter
On the following day, Friday, 06 February 2026, Rangers engaged in a second contact in the Stolznek section.
During the confrontation, forces fatally wounded one of the suspected poachers.
These incidents highlight the bravery and ongoing dangers faced by rangers in their daily efforts to protect South Africa’s wildlife.
Furthermore, the statement asserts that the recovery of the weapon and related paraphernalia highlights the effectiveness of anti-poaching patrols.
Additionally, the actions of the personnel demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding rhinos from persistent poaching incursions.
Commendable commitment
SANParks commends the courage and dedication of its rangers, who continue to put their lives on the line to protect our natural heritage.
Louw’s statement goes on to assure the public that, despite numerous other challenges faced by park management, the fight against poaching remains a priority.
Additionally, it states that SANParks will further intensify anti-poaching operations, ensuring that rhinos survive for future generations to enjoy.
IOLNews reports that SANParks has handed over collected evidence and related information to the South African Police Service for further investigation.
A see-saw battle
Poaching remains an existential threat to the Kruger Park’s rhino population. In a battle that has been fought for decades, park rangers and poachers trade blows all too often.
At present, the trend shows that poaching is on the decline thanks to intensified counter-measures, including the use of technology, dehorning, and stronger law enforcement.
Nevertheless, Kruger is still considered “ground zero” in the war of attrition. According to Helping Rhinos, in the first six months of 2025, 195 rhinos were killed by poachers, of which the majority were on state-owned land.
Rhinos are a keystone species, acting as eco-engineers by maintaining healthy grasslands through their grazing and dung production. Additionally, they help disperse seeds and nutrients in their dung and are vital to the creation of waterholes.
Their protection, in turn, safeguards entire habitats for numerous other animals. As such, we at Latest Sightings commend every effort to protect them.
