Herd of elephants trampled suspected poacher at national park

Nature dealt its own form of justice inside of a game reserve in South Africa over the weekend. According to multiple sources, a herd of elephants trampled a suspected poacher to death at the Kruger National Park on Saturday.

According to a news release from the South African National Parks (SANParks), the victim and his accomplice were fleeing from park rangers when they ran into a “breeding herd” of elephants. SAN Parks recounted the events leading up to the man’s death, writing:

Three individuals were spotted by the Rangers and attempted to run away, but Rangers requested backup from the Airwing and K9 unit. When they realised they had been spotted, the suspected poachers dropped an axe and a bag with their provisions in an attempt to escape from the rangers.

Adding:

One of the suspects was arrested following assistance from the Airwing and K9 unit. The suspect informed the rangers that the group had run into a herd of elephants and was not sure if his accomplice had managed to escape.

Rangers located the fleeing man’s body a short time later – he had suffered fatal injuries after being trampled. Officials are still searching for a third suspect.

Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman, said:

“The campaign against poaching is the responsibility of all us; it threatens many livelihoods, destroys families and takes much-needed resources to fight crime which could be used for creating jobs and development.”

(Stock image of elephants via Pixabay free images)

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