RPU ranger killed in a lion attack

Around 06h30 on Saturday, rangers of the Rhino Protection Unit in Pilanesberg was busy with a scheduled fence foot patrol in the east of the park. The patrol was attacked by a lion and one of the rangers, Mr Kobus Marias, was fatally injured. Other members of the patrol managed to shoot and kill the lion. Mr Marias was declared dead on the scene. Arrangements have been made for counselling of staff involved, as well as his other colleagues in the park. The incident is being investigated. The Board would like to express their sincerest condolences to his wife and family, as well as friends and colleagues.