The man fled from rangers when he came across a herd of elephants.
According to South African officials, a suspected poacher was killed by a herd of breeding elephants he encountered while fleeing park rangers.
Three people tried to run away on Saturday after being spotted by rangers in the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, South African park officials said.
After one of the suspects was caught, he told park rangers the group encountered a herd of elephants, adding that he was not sure if his suspected accomplice could manage to escape, officials said.
Rangers later discovered that the man was ‘badly trampled’ and died from his injuries.
Investigators say they are still searching for the third suspect, who continued to flee after sustaining an eye injury.
According to men, the men are suspected of trying to poach rhinos. A rifle and an ax were found amid the investigation, officials said.
“The campaign against poaching is the responsibility of us all; it threatens many livelihoods, destroys families and takes up much-needed resources to fight crime, which can be used to create jobs and development,” said Gareth Coleman, chief executive. of the Kruger National Park, said. said in a statement.
ABC News’ Liezl Thom contributed to this report.