A 58-year-old anti-poaching operative has been killed in a shocking wildlife attack in South Africa, after a rare rhino he helped protect turned on him during a routine patrol.
Schoeman van Jaarsveld, a seasoned conservationist and security expert, was fatally gored by a 1,300kg black rhino at the Samara Karoo Reserve on Thursday morning while tracking the animal with his team.
The Sun in UK, reports that the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. as Jaarsveld and his colleagues monitored rhinos fitted with GPS devices to safeguard them from poaching gangs.
According to reports, the animal suddenly charged from cover, leaving the veteran ranger critically injured.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Jaarsveld died from his injuries before help could arrive.
Jaarsveld, who ran a private armed security outfit dedicated to protecting endangered rhinos, was widely respected within conservation circles for his frontline role in combating poaching.
Colleagues and friends described the attack as sudden and devastating.
Field ranger Arno Potgieter, who trained under him, said: “He was very good at his job and I was told he was out trying to track down a black rhino.
“Something went very wrong and they came face to face and my friend was badly gored. There were no shots fired. The rhino was not hurt. Schoeman was a very good man.”
Another close associate paid tribute, calling him a “dedicated professional” who spent his life protecting wildlife in dangerous conditions.
“His loss has been deeply felt among the anti-poaching community and it is even more tragic that his life was taken by the very animal he was trying to keep safe,” the friend said.
Describing the fatal encounter, the source added: “The attack was just explosive and Schoeman took the rhino’s horn.
“The injury was basically untreatable without immediate medical help which was not available.”
A spokesperson for Samara Karoo Reserve confirmed the incident, noting that Jaarsveld had played a crucial role in wildlife protection efforts.
“He will be sadly missed and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and team,” the spokesperson said.
In a formal statement, the reserve said: “Schoeman was out on foot when a tragic incident occurred during his anti-poaching duties with his highly professional team.
“The incident happened at 10.30am when the rhino attacked. The emergency services were called but there was nothing that could be done and he was declared dead.
“Another member of the security team was slightly injured. No shots were fired and the black rhino was not hurt. A full investigation is underway into just what happened.
“Our thoughts are with Schoeman’s family and friends and as a mark of respect we will be helping with the funeral following the tragic loss of a member of the Samara team.”