SAPS, SANParks recover 2 cartridges and spent projectile at scene of poached rhino
The rhino was shot by poachers near the Skukuza camp in Kruger National Park on Saturday morning.
The skull of an adult bull rhino found on Saturday in the Kruger National Park after it was killed in a poaching incident, 18 February 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Forensic investigators from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Parks (SANParks) recovered two cartridges and a spent projectile at the crime scene of a poached black rhino in the Kruger National Park on Tuesday morning.
The rhino, an adult bull was killed on Saturday morning by poachers.
A mere kilometre off the main tar road in Kruger National Park leads to the gruesome sight where only the skull and pool of putrid blood remained of the bull black rhino.
The rhino was shot by poachers near the Skukuza camp in Kruger National Park on Saturday morning.
“A guest called and said he heard shots. And the crew that was on patrol responded within an hour and they couldn’t find anything. On Sunday, they got reports that there were vultures and they came in and this is what they found,” said SANParks spokesperson, Ike Phaahla.
He said black rhinos are a critically endangered species, with an estimated population of just over 2,000 remaining in South Africa.
“They are very scarce and it’s heartbreaking when you come across a scene that looks like this.”
Since December 2024, 35 rhinos have been killed in the Kruger, the biggest spike in poaching experienced since post-COVID-19.
35 rhinos have been poached in the Kruger National Park between December and February.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 18, 2025
Despite interventions to safeguard the animals, SANParks management says the transnational syndicates targeting them are relentless in their pursuit of rhino horn. #RhinoPoaching #KNP pic.twitter.com/rrxfMh49Yo