A 31-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as trespassing, following a confrontation with rangers in the Satara area of the Kruger National Park. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14 June 2025, at approximately 00:45.
According to reports, rangers on patrol near Ngotso Dam encountered three African males, one of whom was armed with a firearm while the others carried backpacks. The rangers immediately ordered the suspects to stop and instructed the armed individual to drop the weapon. However, the suspect allegedly refused to comply and instead opened fire on the rangers, prompting them to return fire.
During the exchange, two of the suspects sustained serious injuries, while the third managed to flee the scene. Police and emergency services, including medical personnel from Skukuza, were dispatched to the location. While receiving treatment, one of the injured suspects succumbed to his wounds. The surviving suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under police guard.
Authorities recovered several items at the scene, including:
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One hunting rifle
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Five live rounds of ammunition
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An axe
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A knife
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Two cellphones
The suspects are believed to be illegal immigrants from Mozambique. A case has been opened, with charges including possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, trespassing, and attempted murder. Police are still searching for the third suspect, who remains at large.
The arrested individual is expected to appear in court once medically cleared. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being filed.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the rangers’ swift response and issued a strong warning to poachers:
“Rangers and police will continue working tirelessly to ensure the park remains safe from poachers. The Kruger National Park is a vital part of our heritage, a source of learning for future generations, and an important contributor to our provincial economy through tourism. We will not allow anyone to destroy what we treasure.”
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the fugitive suspect to come forward as investigations continue.