Limpopo police have launched an active search for the people responsible for the killing of a buffalo bull inside the Kruger National Park, the provincial police said. The remains were found in the park’s Tshikuyu Block, within the Masisi policing area of Vhembe District.
How the carcass was found
Police said the discovery followed a routine patrol on Sunday morning, when a park ranger noticed a vulture in the sky and investigated. On approaching the scene the ranger found the head and pieces of skin from a buffalo bull, together with multiple human footprints and dog tracks.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the footprints and dog prints were followed until they headed towards the park fence in the direction of Benndemutale village. The buffalo is valued at an estimated R300,000, the spokesperson said. A poaching case has been opened at Masisi police station.
"The police investigation continues," Ledwaba said.
Official response and appeal
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers condemned the killing and urged a stepped-up response to wildlife crime. He said police would intensify coordination with law-enforcement partners and local communities to protect the province’s wildlife resources.
"Wildlife crime remains a serious concern, and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners and communities to protect our wildlife resources," Scheepers said.
Police are asking anyone with information that could help identify or locate the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Mamedzi Azwianewi Robert, on 071 612 1076 or to report to their nearest police station. Anonymous tips may be lodged through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App, the statement added.
Local impact and wider context
Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s core conservation areas and a major driver of tourism and local employment. Incidents of poaching, whether targeting high-value species or not, undermine conservation work and community livelihoods that depend on a functioning tourism economy. Poaching also risks escalating conflict between communities and protected-area management if not addressed.
In this case the animal was a buffalo bull. While much public attention often focuses on rhino and elephant poaching because of horn and ivory markets, buffalo and other species are also targeted, sometimes for meat or local trade. Police and conservation officials frequently rely on patrols, informant networks and community cooperation to locate suspects and recover contraband.
What police have recorded so far
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Tshikuyu Block, Kruger National Park (Masisi policing area, Vhembe District) |
| Time | About 09:30 on Sunday |
| Evidence found | Buffalo head, skin remains, five human footprints, dog tracks |
| Estimated value | R300,000 |
| Case opened at | Masisi police station |
| Contact | Sergeant Mamedzi Azwianewi Robert — 071 612 1076; Crime Stop 08600 10111; MySAPS App |
How communities can assist
- Report suspicious movement near park fences, especially at night, to the nearest police station or SAPS tip-off lines.
- Preserve any potential evidence — do not touch or move tracks, carcasses or items found near a scene; instead note location and inform authorities.
- Use anonymous reporting channels (Crime Stop or MySAPS App) if fear of reprisals prevents direct reporting.
Local residents living close to Kruger’s boundary can play a crucial role in detecting and deterring poaching by working with park rangers and police. Police statements highlight the need for community vigilance and rapid reporting to increase the chances of identifying perpetrators.
Next steps
Investigators will continue to examine the scene and follow leads, including any sightings or reports from communities around Benndemutale. No arrests have been made at this stage, police said.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Sergeant Robert at 071 612 1076 or to report anonymously via 08600 10111 (Crime Stop) or the MySAPS App. The Masisi police station is handling the official case file.
As the inquiry proceeds, police and conservation authorities are expected to brief the public on further developments to reassure communities and underscore the consequences for wildlife crimes in the province.
Reporting from Vhembe District.
