Poachers shoot and kill Kruger Park ranger
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed the killing of a field ranger in the Kruger National Park.
According to SANParks, the poachers opened fire when they were approached by the ranger and his colleagues on Thursday.
The ranger was shot in the upper body.
"A doctor was flown in to stabilise him, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital," says spokesperson Ike Phaahla.
Phaahla says were pursued by law enforcement but managed to escape.
Investigations are underway, but Phaahla says no carcasses were found in the vicinity which indicate that "they were not able to kill any animals".
Psychologists have been sent to the park to provide counselling to the ranger's colleagues and family.