Anti-poaching ranger shot in Kruger Park
An anti-poaching field ranger in South Africa’s world famous Kruger National Park has been accidentally shot and killed by a colleague while they were charged by a lone buffalo bull.
Internationally renowned anti-poaching activist and writer of the award winning anti-poaching book ‘Killing for Profit’, Julian Rademeyer, described the incident as extremely tragic news.
The man, who can only be named after his next of kin have been notified, was shot while on active anti-poaching patrol in the Malelane section when both rangers were charged by a buffalo bull. In the ensuing confusion they managed to find cover from where they attempted to neutralise the animal. Unfortunately the deceased appears to have been caught in the cross fire and sustained a fatal bullet wound to his upper body.
South African National Parks (SANParks) said in a statement a doctor was flown to the scene in a SANParks helicopter. A fully equipped AMS medical emergency helicopter based at Nelspruit was also requested and immediately dispatched to the scene. The critically injured ranger was stabilised at the scene and flown to the Nelspruit Medi Clinic. He was then rushed into theatre but tragically later succumbed to his injuries.
Reacting to the news, SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni said “we have lost one of our own, a dedicated colleague and friend who not only served the organisation but the entire globe to ensure the integrity of our natural heritage.
“We did all we could to save his life but unfortunately we lost him. We hope this tragic incident will inspire our colleagues to carry on with the sterling work he was doing in the field, so that his death is not in vain.”
The deceased’s colleague is receiving trauma counselling.
