HLUHLUWE – Five suspected rhino poachers were shot dead during a gun-battle with police at a roadblock near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday evening, threatening to reverse the province’s remarkable success in combating wildlife crime.
The shootout took place along the R618 when suspects travelling to a nearby game reserve arrived at a stop and search operation set up by authorities. The incident unfolded about 2km from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park’s Memorial Gate.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police had gathered intelligence on the movements of the suspects before setting up the roadblock.
“When the suspects arrived at the roadblock, a shootout took place between the suspect and police,” Netshiunda said. “Five suspects were shot and fatally wounded, and they were found in possession of a hunting rifle with a silencer and two pistols.”
None of the police officers were injured during the incident, while all five suspects were declared dead at the scene.
The suspects, three Mozambican nationals and two South Africans, were travelling in two vehicles – a Hyundai i20 and an Isuzu bakkie.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife welcomed the outcome of the joint operation between the South African Police Services and the entity, whilst expressing regret at the loss of life.
“Our partnership with the South African Police Services continues to demonstrate that wildlife crime will not be tolerated in KZN’s protected areas. While the loss of life is regrettable, we commend the professionalism and bravery displayed by members of the SAPS and Ezemvelo during this operation,” said Ezemvelo chief executive officer Sihle Mkhize.
Mkhize said the individuals killed were allegedly engaged in illegal activities that pose a serious threat not only to wildlife heritage, but also to the safety of field staff, communities and visitors.
The incident comes despite significant progress in reducing rhino poaching across KwaZulu-Natal. Since the start of 2026, 13 rhinos have been poached in the province, compared to 139 at May 2024 and 33 in May 2025.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 68% reduction in rhino poaching in 2025, with losses declining from 198 in 2024 to 63 in 2025, according to national statistics released by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, in February.
Provincial losses similarly declined from 232 to 97, representing the most significant turnaround recorded in South Africa.
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Encouragingly, January 2026 recorded zero rhinos poached across the entire province, a milestone not achieved in over a decade.
Ezemvelo attributed the success to an integrated security architecture including formalised collaboration with private and community rhino owners, advanced camera surveillance, sensor networks, drones, aerial support, and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
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The entity said it remained steadfast in its support of vital operations and was committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel and the survival of wildlife.
“The fact that we recorded zero poaching incidents in January demonstrates what is possible when we stand united. While we are encouraged by the progress, the fight is far from over. These gains remain fragile and require sustained financial, political, and societal commitment,” Mkhize said following the release of national statistics.
National rhino poaching figures showed a 16% overall decline in 2025, with the contrasting picture between KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces demonstrating that poaching pressure shifts geographically and requires tailored, intelligence-led responses.
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