"Eyewitnesses have stated that the vehicle overtook their cars at high speed, only to slam over the poor impala at the junction of Paul Kruger and Skukuza staff village roads," said KNP spokesman William Mabasa.

The driver, who was not a KNP employee, was driving a truck and trailer belonging to contractor Shivers Contracting Company, which was doing work in the park. His name could not be immediately obtained.

The accident happened on May 2 around 5.30pm.

Mabasa said impala, especially fighting rams, tended to chase each other in the bush and over roads, mostly in rutting season.

This was either to gain dominance or to round up females to join their groups.

He said KNP was upset about the deaths of the animals in an area where they were supposed to be protected and safeguarded, and had decided to take strict action.

The driver was charged and fined under the Protected Areas Act for killing the impala and for endangering other road users.

Mabasa appealed to the public to be on the lookout for animals all over the park when driving, and to remember that the animals had the right of way.

"We expect this move will act as a deterrent, while we also hope and pray that a similar incident will not repeat itself in future," he said.