Ezemvelo hails Hluhluwe shootout after five suspected rhino poachers killed
Ezemvelo officials say while the deaths are unfortunate, they commend the bravery and effort of authorities.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has hailed its partnership with the South African Police Service.
This comes after five suspected rhino poachers were killed in a shootout with police in Hluhluwe, in northern KwaZulu Natal.
Police say they received information that the suspects were travelling along the R618 towards a game reserve on Saturday night.
Stop and search operation
A stop and search operation was set up.
Ezemvelo says when the suspects arrived at the roadblock, a shootout ensued with the police.
The agency says while the deaths are unfortunate, it commends the bravery and effort of authorities.
Spokesperson Musa Mntambo says they will continue to support 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. To date, only 13 rhinos have been poached in KwaZulu-Natal.
“[It is] a marked success when compared to the 139 lost by May 2024 and the three lost by May 2025. Ezemvelo will continue to support these critical operations without flinching, ensuring that the safety of our personnel and the survival of our wildlife is guaranteed”
ALSO READ: Five suspected rhino poachers killed in KZN shootout
Who are the poachers?
It is reported that the five poachers were travelling in two cars, a Hyundai i20 and Isuzu bakkie.
Ezemvelo says three Mozambicans and two South Africans were among those killed.
None of the members involved in the joint operation were hurt.
Ezemvelo CEO Sihle Mkhize has praised the teams involved in the operation saying their partnership with the SAPS continues to demonstrate that wildlife crime will not be tolerated in KwaZulu-Natal’s protected areas.
“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.”
“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."
What did police find after the shootout?
KZN SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says no officers were injured.
He says police recovered a hunting rifle and two pistols.
What is government’s conservation strategy?
The operation comes as government intensifies efforts to protect the country’s rhino population through a revised Black and White Rhino Biodiversity Management Plan.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp says the updated conservation strategy marks a turning point in South Africa’s fight against rhino poaching.
Aucamp says the plan provides a holistic framework and detailed action strategy aimed at strengthening rhino conservation efforts, while improving collaboration with other countries in the region.
He says the revised plan places rhino conservation on a renewed and more coordinated path, with a stronger focus on long-term protection and community involvement.
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