Two suspected poachers killed in Kruger shoot-out

Johannesburg - Two suspected rhino poachers were shot dead on Thursday during a shoot-out with rangers at Crocodile Bridge in the Kruger National Park, the SA National Parks said.

The rangers had come into contact with three men in the park on Thursday morning. A shoot-out ensued and one suspected poacher fled while the other two were shot, SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla said in a statement.

A hunting rifle, a pair of horns and poaching equipment were seized.

In a separate incident, also on Thursday, four men were arrested by the police near the Malelane gate into the park. 

A hunting rifle, nine rounds of ammunition and poaching equipment were seized.

"There is a strong suspicion that the group might be responsible for other poaching incidents in the KNP, including the rhino at Phabeni that was left alive after its horns were hacked off," Phaahla said.