Buffalo worth R80,000 slaughtered with pangas in Kruger as rangers return fire

A buffalo worth about R80,000 was slaughtered with pangas inside the Kruger National Park before rangers and an alleged poaching group exchanged gunfire on Thursday afternoon, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

Police in Limpopo arrested an 18-year-old man after the shooting at Xipala Block in the Vhembe District, which happened at about 15:30 on 5 November 2026. Rangers alerted police at Saselamani, who went to the scene and found the teenager on the ground with a gunshot wound to his leg. The buffalo carcass lay nearby.

According to SAPS, preliminary investigations indicate the man was among a group of five people involved in poaching. When the group allegedly heard the rangers approaching, they opened fire. The 18-year-old was hit during the exchange of gunfire and the other four fled.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and placed under police guard. He is expected to appear before the Saselamani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 November 2026, on charges of attempted murder and poaching.

Police say investigations are continuing and efforts are under way to trace the four outstanding suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer, Captain Gerson Tshilande, on 082 414 2989, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be given anonymously through the MySAPS App.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, commended the park rangers for their continued work protecting wildlife and combating poaching. He said attacks on law enforcement personnel would not be tolerated and that those involved in criminal activities would be brought to justice.

The statement was issued by SAPS, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo, and is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72283. Enquiries: Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, 082 451 7180.