Three rhinos found dead after anti-poaching shootout
A search of the area later led to the discovery of three freshly killed white rhinos, two of which had been dehorned.
An unidentified man was fatally wounded during a confrontation with members of an Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) on a farm in the Pienaarsrivier policing precinct in Limpopo’s Waterberg District.
Police said the incident occurred at about 11 pm on Friday after APU members responded to reports of gunshots in the area.
ALSO READ | Help keep EWT’s conservation dogs in the fight against poaching
Drones deployed during the operation allegedly located a group of suspected poachers, who fled into nearby bushes when officers moved in.
According to police, members came under fire while pursuing the suspects and returned fire in self-defence, fatally wounding one of the men.
A search of the area later led to the discovery of three freshly killed white rhinos, two of which had been dehorned.
ALSO READ | Howick-born ranger helps fight poaching in Bisley
Police also recovered a firearm near the deceased suspect, who had no form of identification on him.
Cases of rhino poaching, attempted murder and murder have been opened for investigation, while a manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspects.
