Rhino poacher killed in Kruger shoot-out

Johannesburg - A suspected rhino poacher was killed in a shoot-out at the Crocodile Bridge Ranger section of the Kruger National Park on Thursday, SA National Parks (SANParks) said.

An investigation by SANParks rangers, police and the military into the killing of a rhino cow and her calf earlier in the day led to three men, said spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli in a statement.

"A shoot-out ensued, which led to one suspect being fatally wounded and the other two [being] arrested."

Four fresh rhino horns, a hunting rifle and an axe were recovered from the men.

The total number of rhinos poached in the Kruger National Park since January this year now stands at 130.

Another SANParks spokesperson, Paul Daphne, appealed to the public to report suspected poaching.

"It is unfortunate that we could not save the rhino cow and calf in time, but we are convinced that with the increased measures we have in place, the poachers are feeling the pressure..." he said.

Thakhuli said the two alleged poachers would appear in court soon.