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Two poaching suspects shot dead in S. African game reserve

Xinhua, January 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Rangers have shot dead two poaching suspects in the Kruger National Park (KNP), one of Africa's largest game reserves in northeastern South Africa, authorities said on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, rangers confronted the two suspects armed with a heavy calibre hunting rifle on Wednesday, said KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips.

As the rangers ordered the men to surrender they opened fire and a shoot-out ensued with the rangers, in which both suspects were fatally wounded and a high calibre hunting rifle was recovered, Phillips said.

According to Phillips, the matter is now under police investigation and surveillance of the area is continuing to determine if any animals were killed or if there are more suspects in the vicinity.

Poachers have targeted the KNP for rhinos. The park lost 544 rhinos from January to August last year. Nationwide, a total of 749 rhinos were poached during the period. Enditem