Lions killed an alleged poacher in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on March 14, 2010. Rangers found the human skull six days later while in search of the man who was reported missing at the Mkhuhlu Police Station by his two friends.
The two men, who have subsequently been arrested on suspicion of poaching, and the deceased entered the park on the night of March 12 to set snares. The following night they checked on the snares when they bumped into hippo. The hippo charged and the men fled in different directions. Two suspects reached home and alerted the authorities on March 17 about their missing colleague.
"On behalf of SANParks, we wish to express our sincere condolences to the family for the loss of their loved one", said the KNP's HOD: Public Relations, Mr. William Mabasa.
He further went on to send a strong warning to both poachers and tourists to please understand that there are dangerous wild animals roaming around in the park and therefore should avoid walking or getting out of vehicles anywhere inside the park other than in the designated areas.
Read more about the consequences for wildlife poachers
