Body recovered from Mestel Dam after illegal fishing operation in Kruger National Park

According to The Citizen (Lowvelder / Caxton Local Media), Kruger National Park (KNP) field rangers retrieved the body of a man from Mestel Dam on Monday, August 31 after a four-day search following an operation against illegal fishing.

Night patrol leads to arrests and a missing suspect

The incident began during a night patrol in the Pretoriuskop section of the park on Friday, August 28, when rangers were alerted to illegal fishing at Mestel Dam at about 02:00, The Citizen reports. Rangers allegedly found four individuals using fishing nets, which are prohibited within the KNP, and during the operation three suspects surrendered and were arrested while a fourth fled into the dam.

“Upon responding to the scene, rangers allegedly found four individuals using fishing nets, which are prohibited within the KNP. During the operation, three suspects surrendered and were arrested, while a fourth suspect fled and entered the dam,” said KNP general manager of communications Rey Thakhuli.

Search and discovery

An immediate search was launched and continued daily both inside and outside the park as SANParks field rangers and other stakeholders attempted to locate the missing individual. On August 31, field rangers reported seeing what appeared to be human remains in Mestel Dam. “SAPS and relevant authorities were immediately notified and responded to the scene,” Thakhuli said.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that a body had been found at the dam and said police would provide further details at a later stage as investigations continue.

Charges and next steps

The three suspects who surrendered were handed over to the South African Police Service and were formally charged in connection with the alleged illegal fishing activities in the protected area, The Citizen reports. The circumstances surrounding the man’s death have not been confirmed, and authorities are expected to investigate to establish his identity.

SANParks response

SANParks expressed appreciation to the officials and stakeholders involved in the search and response efforts. The Citizen noted the incident highlights the risks associated with unauthorised activities inside protected areas, particularly at night and around water bodies.