Teenager arrested and hospitalised following Kruger National Park shootout - EWN

An 18-year-old has been arrested in hospital after a shootout with park rangers at Kruger National Park, following an alleged poaching incident.

Police found the suspect with a gunshot wound to his leg on Thursday, after rangers came under fire.

A buffalo carcass was discovered at the scene, which police believe was slaughtered using pangas.

Preliminary investigations point to the 18-year-old being part of a group of five individuals involved in poaching.

Police Spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said that he is facing charges including attempted murder, and more arrests have not been ruled out.

"The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, has commended the park rangers for their continued efforts in protecting wildlife and combating poaching. He has also emphasised that attacks on law enforcement personnel will not be tolerated and that those involved in criminal activities will be brought to justice."

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