Poacher killed in shootout
2009-12-28 16:10



Durban - A rhino poacher was killed and two others injured in a fierce exchange of gunfire between a group of poachers and game rangers on Christmas day, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) said on Monday.

“Two suspected rhino poachers were wounded and one killed in an exchange of gunfire with field rangers in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on the evening of December 25,” EKZNW said.

Field rangers in the iMfolozi section of the park heard shots in the western part of the Makhamisa section of iMfolozi at about 19:40 and responded immediately.

“Using torches the field rangers challenged the intruders, who immediately cocked their weapons.

"In the ensuing exchange of gunfire one suspected poacher was shot dead and two others sustained gunshot wounds.”

Two 308 rifles with slings and two axes were recovered from the poachers.

Rhino carcass found

The carcass of an adult male white rhino was found on the banks of the White Umfolozi River during a helicopter search on Saturday, December 26.

EKZNW general manager for Zululand, Sifiso Kheswa, said he regretted that a life had been lost.

“We regret that a life has been lost in this incident but I would like to reiterate that those who think they can plunder our wildlife resources do so at their peril.”

He said he was grateful that none of his staff had been injured during the gun battle.



- SAPA

A pity the other 2 poachers survived!

quote:

EKZNW general manager for Zululand, Sifiso Kheswa, said he regretted that a life had been lost.

“We regret that a life has been lost in this incident but I would like to reiterate that those who think they can plunder our wildlife resources do so at their peril.”

He said he was grateful that none of his staff had been injured during the gun battle.

I hope he was talking about the rhino!

quote:

Originally posted by Settlers Safaris:
A pity the other 2 poachers survived!

+1

What do you have to do to get poacher tags?

John

quote:

Originally posted by Big Bore Boar Hunter:
What do you have to do to get poacher tags?

John

Join up as a ranger in Zim Parks and you could have as many as you wanted!

quote:

Originally posted by David Hulme:

Join up as a ranger in Zim Parks and you could have as many as you wanted!

I wonder if I could talk the Mrs. into it...

John

would a negative trophy fee apply?

AD

Maybe they could take the survivors and stake them out for bait, but being humane, put some water just out of their reach but where they could see it.
Also, sprinkle them down with some "Rhino attractant".

Tracker49:

Are you sure you don't have some Apache blood in you? You really scare me, as a white man, thinking about how whites facing Apaches years ago must have felt (It still scares me and I watch all westerns featuring Apaches (and yes, I recognize Mexicans and true Apaches - or more often,Hopis and Pueblos serving as extras in the movie -rather than true warrior Apaches like Chiricahua,Mescalero, Mimbre. The Apaches lost -not because they were outfought -but simply because they were outgunned and out manned. Thet never lost their capacity to scare the living daylights out of us whites. Fact.