Authorities Hunt Suspects Behind Elephant Killing and Mass Vulture Poisoning in Kruger National Park

JOHANNESBURG – A joint operation between Limpopo police and environmental authorities is underway following the gruesome killing of an elephant and the mass poisoning of over 120 vultures in the iconic Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most treasured wildlife reserves.

According to law enforcement officials, poachers used a cable snare to trap an elephant in the Mushiyani Block, located within the Mahlagweni area of the park, on Thursday of last week. After capturing the animal, the perpetrators allegedly poisoned its carcass—an act that had devastating consequences for the surrounding ecosystem.

Limpopo Police and Environmental Teams Investigate Major Wildlife Poisoning Incident in Kruger National Park

More than 123 vultures, along with other scavengers, are confirmed dead after feeding on the contaminated elephant carcass. Wildlife authorities have described the incident as one of the most disturbing cases of environmental crime in recent memory.

While the elephant’s tusks were not removed—suggesting that ivory poaching may not have been the primary motive—authorities suspect the mass poisoning at the Kruger National Park may have been an attempt to kill off vultures, which often alert park rangers to poaching activity by circling above carcasses.

Officials say the incident is part of a worrying trend of eco-poaching, where poachers not only target high-value animals but also strategically eliminate species that hinder their operations.

“This is a heinous and calculated attack on our biodiversity,” said Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba. “We are treating this as a serious environmental crime.”

Limpopo’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has called on the public to come forward with any information that might lead to the arrest of those responsible.

“We urge anyone who may have knowledge of the suspects’ whereabouts to assist the police. The destruction of our natural heritage must not go unpunished,” Hadebe emphasized.

Environmental experts are now working closely with forensic investigators to collect evidence from the scene, while park rangers conduct aerial and ground patrols to monitor for any further threats.

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