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SANParks confirmed Friday that the human remains found this week could be those of a ranger who disappeared in the Stolsneck section of Kruger National Park a month ago.
SA’s national park management body said items belonging to ranger Checkers Mashego were positively identified. A DNA test will ultimately determine if the remains found at the scene were his.
SANParks’ Isaac Phaahla said Mashego went missing on November 17. A group that had been searching the area where he was last seen came across the items on December 17.
“The items include what are believed to be human remains and the SANParks equipment used by Ranger Mashego,” Phaahla said.
Police, investigators and forensic services are still checking the scene.
“[They are] combing the scene for more clues that can shed light on what happened, ”said Phaahla.
Mashego’s family has since been informed.
“Both the Minister for the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, and the Executive Director of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, have expressed concern and support for the family at this very difficult time,” added Phaahla.
It was not immediately clear whether foul play had anything to do with Mashego’s death.
Police spokesman Colonel Donald Mdhluli said: “An investigation is underway into what happened to reveal details about how the victim disappeared.”
Mdhluli said the body and items were found not far from where his colleagues last saw the 51-year-old ranger.
TimesLIVE
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