Limpopo: The police in Limpopo have launched an intensive manhunt for suspects responsible for the illegal hunting of an elephant and subsequent poisoning that resulted in the death of numerous protected vultures in the Kruger National Park.
According to South African Police Service, on 8 May 2025, Phalaborwa SAPS received a report of an elephant carcass discovered in the Mushiyani block Mahlangeni area of the Kruger National Park. Initial investigations revealed that poachers used a cable snare to trap the elephant and then laced the carcass with poison. This toxic act caused devastating consequences when vultures fed on the contaminated carcass.
Tragically, 123 vultures were found dead at the scene. A further 86 poisoned vultures were rescued and taken to a rehabilitation center in Hoedspruit for treatment. Despite rehabilitation efforts, one of the rescued vultures succumbed on 9 May 2025, bringing the death toll to 124, with 85 still receiving care.
It was noted that both tusks on the elephant were still intact, suggesting the poachers may have been disturbed before they could remove them.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned this act of wildlife crime. “We are appalled by this senseless killing of our protected wildlife. Not only was an elephant illegally hunted, but the deliberate poisoning has resulted in significant damage to our vulture population, which plays a crucial role in our ecosystem,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“We have assembled a dedicated team to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice. This type of environmental crime threatens our natural heritage and will not be tolerated,” added Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has appealed to members of the community who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.
The public is encouraged to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Eric Nkuna, at 082 657 7297, call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, visit their nearest Police Station, or use the MySAPS App to report information.