Note to Editors: Please note Hannah Lidgett, MPL sound bite in English
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes with serious concern the recent shootout near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), which saw five suspected rhino poachers killed after allegedly being intercepted by police.
Any loss of life is regrettable. We are relieved that no police officers were injured.
This incident confirms that, despite recent progress, rhinos in KZN remain under threat from armed and organised criminal syndicates.
Earlier this year, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) statistics showed a national decline in rhino poaching and a significant decrease in poaching in HiP. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) also recorded a decline in rhino poaching figures to date for 2026.
These gains can be attributed to coordinated interventions including dehorning, intelligence-led operations and cooperation between law enforcement, EKZNW, conservation partners and local communities.
However, this latest incident shows that this fight is far from over. Rhino poaching remains organised crime and as long as a demand for rhino horn exists, it will threaten our wildlife. Poaching also has serious implications for our province’s tourism economy, and importantly the protection of conservation staff and police officers on the front line.
As a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will continue to push for properly resourced ranger services, stronger intelligence gathering, effective prosecutions and continued cooperation between SAPS, EKZNW and conservation partners. The fact is that wildlife crimes still need stronger penalties to send a clear message to poachers.
KZN’s rhinos are a globally recognised part of our natural heritage. Gains made through the coordinated interventions must be protected, and criminal syndicates behind poaching must be dismantled. The DA stands resolute in addressing the scourge of rhino poaching.