A 32-year-old male suspect has been arrested following a rhino poaching incident in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park (KNP). The arrest was made at approximately 23:55 on Sunday, 05 July 2026, after Field Rangers conducting an observation patrol encountered four suspected rhino poachers. The rangers pursued the suspects in an attempt to apprehend them. During the pursuit, a shootout ensued between the Field Rangers and the suspects. One of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds. The injured suspect was arrested at the scene and found in possession of a rifle. The three remaining suspects managed to evade arrest and remain at large. A second firearm, believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects, was recovered a few metres from the scene. The injured suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment under police guard. He is expected to appear before court once he has been declared medically fit. The South African Police Service, in collaboration with park authorities, continues to investigate the matter while efforts to trace and apprehend the outstanding suspects are ongoing.