A fresh skull found in the Kruger National Park (KNP) is believed to be that of a man reportedly killed by an elephant while poaching with his companions.
Police received information that some men had gone poaching in the KNP on 01 April 2019, when suddenly an elephant attacked and killied one of them.
According to Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, the dead man's accomplices claimed to have carried his body to the road so that passers-by could find it in the morning.
"Once outside, they reportedly informed a relative of the dead man about their ordeal and police were alerted regarding the incident," said Hlathi.
Hlathi said a search operation was launched by police and Rangers in the mentioned area, whereupon the human skull and pieces of clothing were found.
"Subsequent to that, police launched a joint intelligence driven operation in search of the dead poacher's accomplices, resulting in the arrest of three men aged between 26 and 35, within KaMhlushwa and Komatipoort precincts," said Hlathi.
"During the operation, firearms and ammunition were seized," he added.
The suspects appeared yesterday 05 April 2019, at the Komatipoort Magistrate's Court facing charges of possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence, conspiracy to poach as well as trespassing.
" On their appearance, the court remanded them in custody and will reappear at the same court on 12 April 2019, pending bail application.An inquest was opened in connection with the dead suspect," said Hlathi.
