According to his colleague, the two were charged by a buffalo bull and in the ensuing confusion managed to find cover from where they attempted to neutralise the animal but unfortunately the deceased appears to have been caught in the cross fire and sustained a fatal bullet wound to his upper body. A doctor was immediately flown to the scene by SANParks helicopter. A fully equipped AMS medical emergency helicopter based at Nelspruit was also requested and immediately dispatched to the scene. The critically injured ranger was stabilized at the scene and flown immediately to the Nelspruit Medi Clinic. He was then rushed into theatre but tragically later succumbed to his injuries.
Reacting to the news, SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni passed on his sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. “It is a sad day for us as a family, we have lost one of our own, a dedicated colleague and friend who not only served the organisation but the entire globe to ensure the integrity of our natural heritage. We did all we could to save his life but unfortunately we lost him. We hope this tragic incident will inspire our colleagues to carry on with the sterling work he was doing in the field, so that his death is not in vain” concluded Mketeni.
The name of the deceased cannot be released as his next of kin have yet to be informed and his colleague is receiving trauma counselling.
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