While recent successes in wildlife conservation offer a glimmer of hope, the sight of rhinos is a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by armed poaching syndicates.
Image: IOL/ Ron AI
Five suspected rhino poachers were shot and killed during a gun-battle with police in the area of Hluhluwe, northern KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday evening.
The shootout occurred at a road-block set-up by authorities along the R618, enroute to a nearby game reserve.
None of the police officers were injured during the incident, while all five suspects were declared dead at the scene.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police had gathered intelligence on the movements of the suspects, who were apparently travelling to a game reserve.
“A stop and search operation was set up along the same road, and when the suspects arrived at the roadblock, a shootout ensued between the police and the suspects,” 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."
Netshiunda confirmed that the police officers emerged uninjured after the shootout.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife welcomed the outcome of the joint operation between the South African Police Services and the entity, which occurred approximately two kilometres from the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park’s (HiP) Memorial Gate on the R22/P453 road that leads to Hluhluwe town.
The entity confirmed that the suspects were travelling in two vehicles, a Hyundai i20 and an Isuzu bakkie. The five dead comprised three Mozambicans and two South Africans.
“Our partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS) 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.
"The individuals killed were allegedly engaged in illegal activities that pose a serious threat not only to our wildlife heritage, but also to the safety of field staff, communities and visitors,” said Ezemvelo's chief executive officer Sihle Mkhize.
“Ezemvelo remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in the fight against poaching and other environmental crimes while continuing to promote the rule of law and conservation of our biodiversity for future generations,” said Mkhize.
The entity has indicated that since the start of the year, 13 rhinos were poached in KZN, which was regarded as a major success when compared to the 139 rhinos poached at May 2024 and 33 in May 2025.
Ezemvelo said it remained steadfast in its support of vital operations and was committed to ensuring the guaranteed safety of its personnel and the survival of its wildlife.
While naturists welcomed the significant decline in rhino poaching statistics, the DA’s KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson on economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, Hannah Lidgett, cautioned that Saturday's deadly shootout in Hluhluwe, indicated that armed and dangerous syndicates operations remained a threat to wildlife.
Lidgett said the DA viewed the incident with grave concern. While they regarded all loss of life as deeply regrettable, they were relieved that no police officers were injured.
She said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s rhino poaching statistics published earlier this year showed significant improvement, including the decrease in rhino poaching in HiP.
“Ezemvelo had also recorded zero rhino poaching incidents in the park for January 2026. A combination of interventions, including de-horning, intelligence, and cooperation between law enforcement and conservation authorities are behind the decline,” Lidgett said.
“However, this also indicates armed and dangerous syndicates operating remain a threat to our wildlife,” she said.