Two Mozambican Nationals Caught Poaching in Kruger National Park

On May 7, 2025, two Mozambican nationals — one from Khubo and the other from Chokwe, both in Massingir District — were arrested by rangers inside Kruger National Park, specifically in the Skukuza section. A third suspect, also from Khubo, managed to evade capture and fled the scene carrying an axe.

According to statements made during interrogation, the group had been recruited by an individual residing in Khubo, Mozambique. Approximately one week prior to the incident, this organizer met with the group to plan the illegal entry into the park. Later, he instructed them to move toward the Skukuza area to initiate the poaching operation.

On the day of the incident, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., the suspects breached the park’s perimeter through a gap in the fencing near the Greater Lebombo Conservancy. Once inside, they began tracking rhino spoor in preparation for an attempted kill.

While actively engaged in poaching, the group was detected by patrol rangers. Two of the suspects were apprehended on site, while the third managed to escape and remains at large, armed with an axe.

This incident highlights the continued cross-border pressure faced by protected areas like Kruger National Park and the complex recruitment networks that operate across the Mozambique–South Africa border. Investigations are ongoing to locate the fugitive and identify the recruiter believed to be behind the operation.