Suspected poacher shot dead near Phalaborwa, two cuffed in Hoedspruit

Police in Hoedspruit arrested two suspects, aged 30 and 49, for being in possession of an unlicensed hunting rifle and trespassing on a farm near Hoedspruit, reports the Letaba Herald.

The police received a tip-off from members of the community about the suspects, who were alleged to have been on the way to commit illegal poaching. They reacted swiftly and arrested the suspects.

During the arrest, one rifle, live ammunition and one axe were recovered.

Meanwhile, Phalaborwa police have launched a manhunt for two armed illegal poachers who fled following a shootout with rangers inside the Kruger National Park.

The shootout ensued between rangers and the suspects, and resulted in one of the suspects being fatally wounded, but his two accomplices managed to flee the scene, the police said in a statement.

The identity of the deceased is still unknown, and police investigations are ongoing.

Caxton News Service

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