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South Africa’s anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have yielded a 16% overall decline in rhino poaching in 2025 compared to 2024. This is according to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, who attributes the decline to dedication and tactical, swift coordination.

“From January to December 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa, with 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms. This was a decrease of 68 in comparison to 420 rhinos poached in 2024,” said Minister Aucamp.

The hardest hit province was Mpumalanga that lost 178 rhinos; which is a notable increase from the 92 that were lost in 2024. The majority of the rhinos lost in Mpumalanga Province were in the Kruger National Park, which reported a total of 175 poached rhino for 2025. This is a sharp increase of 87 animals more than the 88 that were reported for Kruger National Park in 2024.

Rhino poaching numbers in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in Kwazulu-Natal dropped from 198 in 2024 to 63 in 2025. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has attributed the significant reduction in poaching in this Park to closer collaboration between Ezemvelo and KwaZulu-Natal rhino owners through the Integrated Wildlife Zones (IWZ) Programme, as well as sustained support from key conservation partners, including WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT, and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF).

Whilst Ezemvelo recognises that the strategic dehorning programme implemented in 2024 served as a critical catalyst in stabilising rhino poaching pressures and enabled urgent, targeted interventions; analysis of the 2025 outcomes confirms that multiple complementary interventions were central to the reduction in poaching incidents. Key among these were enhanced detection and early-warning capability, achieved through the deployment and integration of advanced camera technologies and sensors; and the implementation of the Integrity Implementation Plan, which included the successful polygraphing of all park law-enforcement personnel, reinforcing organisational integrity and public confidence.

As we closely monitor implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT), we continue to see some very good convictions in relation to rhino-related cases, with lengthy direct imprisonment terms in respect of cases related to rhino crimes. The important work of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Environmental Working Group(comprising nodal prosecutors from across the country) is resulting in the centralisation of more cases, ensuring that accused are being prosecuted for various cases simultaneously thereby providing the court with a full view of the extent of criminal activities undertaken by the syndicates and therefore focusing on the organised criminal and money laundering elements of these cases.

Through implementation of the NISCWT, the improved collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), the Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit, and the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) known as the “Green Scorpions” is showcased in the matter of ZM Muiambo alias Thomas Chauke. Only through this collaboration could cases, emanating from four provinces, be centralised and the accused was found guilty in the High Court of Makhanda on 19 charges, regarding illegal hunting of rhinos, conspiracy to hunt rhinos, theft of rhino horns, possession of illegal firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons and three counts of escaping lawful custody and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in April 2025.

Minister Aucamp conveyed his gratitude towards the anti-poaching efforts of the private sector, especially that of private rhino owners. Sustaining this downward trend in rhino poaching requires coordinated and aligned action by government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations, underpinned by clear objectives. The IWZ Programme and the SAMLIT Illegal Wildlife Trade Task Force – working with the Financial Intelligence Centre and the banking sector- are central to this approach.

“South Africa continues to strengthen its international collaboration to curbing rhino poachingand wildlife trafficking. These efforts led to the country receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award late last year, which celebrates excellence in enforcement by government officials, institutions and teams combatting transboundary environmental crimes,” said Minister Aucamp.

“Working together with the South African anti-poaching and anti-trafficking organisations, weremain committed to a balanced, intelligence-driven, and partnership-based approach to rhino protection, recognising that sustained success requires constant adaptation, integrity, and cooperation across all sectors,” said Minister Aucamp.

** Members of the public can report any suspicious activities around wildlife to its environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the SAPS number 10111 For media inquiries contact: Thobile Zulu-Molobi: +27 82 513 7154 / [email protected]

FACT SHEET

1. The provincial and national breakdown for 2023, 2024 and 2025 is as follows:

2. Both SANParks and Ezemvelo continue to implement a number of actions and initiatives to counter the threats in the hotspot areas, including:

• Kruger National Park continues to implement its KNP Rhino Conservation Plan, including holistic Integrity Management, strategic dehorning, layered security and the use of technology, Ranger skills development and increased Ranger capacity.
• Polygraph testing of staff is continuing at Kruger National Park in line with its Integrity Management Plan. The National DFFE Environmental Enforcement Fusion Centre (EEFC), SANParks Environmental Crime & Investigations Unit (ECI), Skukuza SAPS Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit and the Mpumalanga Hawks (Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations) are supporting with investigations as linkages have been found between failed polygraph tests and the surge in poaching during December 2024 and 2025;
• To date, investigations that have flowed from these polygraph results and subsequent investigations into the individuals, have resulted in disciplinary action and the dismissal of 7 employees in Ranger Services at Kruger National Park;
  • Information related to the various rhino poaching crime scenes and modus operandi has been shared with the EEFC in order to determine linkages between the various incidents across the country and in particular Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KZN;
  • Ranger Services in Kruger National Park is in the process of recruiting additional Field Rangers through a dedicated Pre-Selection, Selection and Basic Field Ranger Training process which will commence in February 2026.
  • Kruger National Park has further bolstered its K9 capacity with the introduction of an additional 12 operational K9’s and the training and accreditation of 11 new K9 Handlers.
  • Kruger National Park has also made a significant investment into various technologies to support its anti-poaching efforts and this serves as a force multiplier to bolster current efforts on the ground.
  • Ezemvelo will continue to implement and strengthen its Rhino Guardianship Strategy, incorporating both existing and new interventions, including the following
    • alignment with national and provincial joint crime-prevention operations, in close cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law-enforcement agencies;
    • continued rollout of integrity management measures across all rhino reserves; expansion of Smart Park interventions, including improved and extended camera detection systems,
    • communications networks, and the coordinated management of multiple sensor platforms;
    • enhanced aerial detection and rapid-reaction capacity through helicopter and drone operations;
    • expansion of K9 support operations;
    • focused disruption operations and intelligence-led joint actions with SAPS; and
    • ongoing maintenance dehorning, where scientifically and operationally justified.

   

  1. Prosecutions
  • Couriers prosecuted in rhino horn trafficking case. S v A Makhubela; Ortia CAS 262/01/2019, the accused was arrested when he was about to board a plane to Hong Kong, he had in his possession 10 pieces of rhino horn. He was convicted and sentenced on 2025-06-23, as follows: Contravening Section 57 (1)(a) of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 10 of 2004 to eight (8) years imprisonment of which three (3) years is suspended for five (5) years, in terms of Section 103(1) Act 60 of 2000, the accused is unfit to possess a firearm. Effective imprisonment: 5 years.
  • The sentencing of S v M Kwababa & 3 others in 2025, show case the significance of both prosecuting the offenders for the predicate offences and money laundering. In this case a vehicle was stopped by the police; consequently, the firearm and horns were found inside the vehicle.  The accused intended to sell the horns (property), which are proceeds of the unlawful hunting and dehorning. Accused 1,3,4 & 5 were sentenced on 18/6/2025 to 20 years imprisonment on both counts of money laundering (self) and possession of an unlicensed firearm, with the effective sentence being 10 years’ imprisonment. Accused 1 & 3 were sentenced to an effective imprisonment term of 20 years on charges of rhino poaching (3 counts); possession of rhino horn (1 count); possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition (3 counts); trespassing in a nature reserve. Accused 5 was sentenced to 21 years direct imprisonment and accused 4 was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment.
  • S v AT Machava & D. Mahlaule, CC 23/2023, Fort Beaufort 31/07/2023(High Court) The accused was convicted of killing two black rhinos, theft of 4 rhino horns, hunting in a nature reserve, the possession of a prohibited firearm and unlicensed ammunition and sentenced to an effective 20 years imprisonment. On 7 July 2023 as part of full moon operations, based on information received from another province, the vehicle was pulled over. Inside the vehicle 2 male persons were arrested for conspiracy to commit rhino poaching based on the items found in the car.  The vehicle was searched: a disassembled hunting rifle, ammunition, a silencer and a knife that later tested positive for the presence of black rhino blood was discovered, 5 cell phones were confiscated downloaded and analysed. Some of the items were hidden in a false compartments. No rhino carcasses were found at this stage and there were no eyewitnesses. The case was enrolled and later two black rhino carcasses were found at a reserve, with only bones left (they were dehorned). DNA evidence linked the carcass with the blood on the knife. The indictment was amended based on the DNA evidence. A substantial amount of cell phone data was analysed by the Environmental Enforcement Fusion Centre (EEFC).
  • The additional charges of conspiracy, in cases where evidence is available has led to increased sentences as indicative in the matter of S v A Nukeri & E Mathebula; Skukuza CAS 08/08/2024, RH05/2025 where the field rangers followed footprints after suspicious activity was observed. The spoor was indicative that persons are following a rhinoceros. The helicopter was activated, and rangers found the two accused in possession of a hunting rifle, axe, ammunition and two backpacks with food. They were convicted on the 4/4/2025 on charges of trespassing, illegal immigration, conspiracy to kill a rhino, possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a crime, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon. Accused 1 was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment and accused 2 to 12 years imprisonment.
  • S v S Selahle & 1 other (RH114/2019; Skukuza 20/02/2019) – convicted in 2025: trespassing, illegal immigrant, conspiracy to commit an offence, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a firearm to commit a crime, possession of a prohibited firearm, illegal killing of 1 rhino, possession of dangerous weapon and sentenced to effective 22 years imprisonment.
  • S v A. Mhlanga & 2 others: Rhino poaching in Pilansberg National Park of 3 x white females.  The accused persons were charged with 10 counts. A car chase ensued, accused 1 was arrested. In the vehicle 6 rhino horns & a bloodstained axe was found, the axe – positively linked through DNA. Accused 2 absconded, his identity document was found in the vehicle & it was established he was the driver of the vehicle. Accused 3 was arrested at his house, bloodstained clothes found were sent for DNA analysis which was positively linked to the three rhinos killed. Confiscated: 375 calibre hunting rifle and 2 x live rounds. Sentence: Effective sentence 35 years.
  • S v ZM Muiambo alias Thomas Chauke (Alice 87/6/17; EL 510/6/17; Nietverdiend 25/10/21; Pretoria Central 206/12/20; Zeerust 12/11/2, CC 3/2025). Mr Chauke was first arrested in June 2017 in the Eastern Cape when he attempted to shoot a rhinoceros for its horns in the Great Fish River Nature Reserve. Subsequent to a shoot-out with the park rangers, he was injured, and they managed to arrest him. Despite his injuries, he escaped from the hospital in East London. After the escape, the accused was arrested on a number of charges of rape, kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances and stood trial in the Pretoria High Court, where he was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment during 2019. On 8 – 9 December 2020 he escaped with other prisoners from the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria by hammering a hole in the wall of their cell. On 20 October 2021 he was arrested again, having shot and killed two rhinoceroses at the Madikwe Nature Reserve. During a court appearance at the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court, on the charges relating to the poaching incident at Madikwe, he once again managed to escape. On 1 May 2023 the accused was arrested with 2 others in Melmoth, KZN when they wanted to poach a rhinoceros at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. On 10 May 2023 he escaped from the Magistrate’s Court after an unsuccessful bail application. On 14 March 2024 the accused was arrested in Limpopo with another person on suspected rhino poaching charges.  The collaboration between the agencies led to cases emanated from four provinces could be centralised and the accused pleaded guilty in the High Court of Makhanda on 19 charges, regarding illegal hunting of rhino’s, conspiracy to hunt rhino’s, theft of rhino horns, possession of illegal firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons and 3 counts of escaping lawful custody and was sentenced on the 15/04/2025 to 20-year imprisonment.
  1. Transnational Coordinated Operation between South Africa and Singapore

  The DPCI Wildlife Trafficking Section conducted an integrated transnational operation with the assistance of Serious Organised Crime Investigation Vaal Rand, Counter Intelligence Head Office, Border Management Authority, SARS/Customs, CAP Special Operations, Tracker connect, Gauteng Traffick Airwing, Gauteng SAPS TRT and the DFFE on 1 December 2025 focusing on the trafficking of rhino horns and lion/tiger bones to South East Asia. A consignment was identified which had been returned from Singapore to the sender of the consignment. Two Nigerian males age between 34 and 35 were identified as the receivers of the consignment. The consignment was traced to a storage facility in Kempton Park. During the investigation four boxes were identified and searched. 17 rhino horns with a weight of 55.4kg and 26.2kg lion/tiger bones, skulls and claws were seized. The two Nigerian suspects appeared in Kempton Park Magistrate court on 3 December 2025 relating to the contravention of Sec 57(1) of the National Environmental Biodiversity Act, 10/2004.  South Africa and Singapore authorities will meet in February 2026 to continue their integrated investigation approach between the countries.

  2. Operation Thunder 2025

  Operation Thunder is a global fauna and flora enforcement operation organised by INTERPOL’s Environmental Security Sub-Directorate (ENS) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Operation Thunder 2025 is the ninth edition of this global operation in the yearly “Thunder series”, which begun with Operation Thunderbird in 2017. Since 2019, the WCO, who had actively supported previous operations, became a full partner of the operation. This allowed further involvement of the customs community and more coordination with the police and specialised wildlife and forest enforcement authorities.

  The cooperation and collaboration within the law enforcement community, especially during this operation, provides a unique approach toward combatting illegal wildlife and forestry crime by promoting the development of the investigations on cases from the seizure to prosecution.  South Africa deployed under this operation during September and October 2025.

  Successes achieved in South Africa:

  All nine Provjoints structures were activated, with role-players being DPCI, DFFE, STES, BMA and SARS Customs. Focus areas in terms of road networks, borders and international airports received priority attention. The following more significant successes were achieved in relation to a range wildlife species:

  Llipplaat Cas 04/09/2025 Succulents:  On 10-09-2025 in an integrated approach, resulted in the arrest of four foreign nationals’ (2 Mozambicans and 2 Zimbabweans) on a farm outside Klipplaat in Eastern Cape for the illegal harvesting and possession of 10 bags of Euphoria Esculenta succulents. One of the Mozambican suspects is a well-known succulent trafficker between South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique. Coordinated investigations followed between South Africa and Mozambique relating to the trafficking of succulents between the two countries and the person of interest.

  Steinkopf CAS 56/09/2025 Succulents. On 22-09-2025 in an integrated approach the operational team deployed in the Steinkopf area. A suspicious vehicle was identified and stopped. The vehicle was searched and illegal harvested succulents were found in the vehicle. Two suspects were arrested for the illegal harvesting and transportation of the plants.

  Mogwase Cas 144/09/2025 Pangolin: On 12-09-2025 in an integrated approach, information was followed up relating to persons of interest who wanted to sell a pangolin. The information was confirmed by an informer, and a meeting was set up in North West Province. The seller agreed to meet at a shopping complex, and six suspects were identified during the operation and arrested for the illegal dealing in Pangolin.

  Polokwane CAS 571/09/2025 Pangolin. On 23-09-2025 information was received by the operational team about suspects that wanted to sell a pangolin. The vehicle was identified and stopped by the operational team and searched. Three suspects were arrested, and a live pangolin was rescued.

  SINOVILLE CAS 8/10/2025 Pangolin. On 01-10-2025 in an integrated approach the operational team followed up on information received that a pangolin was for sale around Pretoria. A agent was successfully introduced to the syndicate. The seller introduced himself to the agent and indicated that he had a pregnant female pangolin for sale. A meeting was arranged at which the driver and two passengers engaged in a conversation while a fourth target remained seated in suspect vehicle. A pangolin in a red crate was produced to the agent, and a sign was given for the team to execute the arrests.

  Mhala CAS 42/10/2025 Pangolin. On 10-10-2025 information was received by the operational team about a traditional healer who wanted to sell a pangolin. The integrated team set up a sting operation and arrested one suspect with a pangolin at White City opposite the filling station.

  Skukuza CAS 09/09/2025 Rhino: On 18-09-2025 rangers form the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) in Kruger National Park detected a suspect carrying two sets of rhino horn, a scale, backpacks and rhino skin while on patrol. The rangers approached the suspect and arrested him for the illegal possession of rhino horns.

  Skukuza Cas 10/09/2025 Firearms On 19-09-2025 rangers form the IPZ in Kruger National Park detected rhino poachers. The poachers started to run away. One of them fell and was arrested. A firearm was found in his possession.

  Hlabisa Cas 20/09/2025 Firearms On 20-09-2025 the integrated operational team received information about three males in possession of firearm and were about to go to the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Park to poach rhino. The team members proceeded to the identified homestead and found the owner of the identified house. The owner of the house was identified and with him were the two other suspects. The house was searched, and a firearm, silencer and ammunitions were found underneath the mattress. All three suspects were arrested.

  Hluhluwe CAS 05/10/2025 Firearms. On 02-10-2025 in an integrated approach the operational team followed up on information about a suspect that was in possession of a small calibre rifle and heavy calibre ammunition in the Hluhluwe homestead area. The suspect was traced and arrested with one(1) x .458 live round, four (4) 4 x 30-06 live round.

  Kwamsane CAS 32/10/2025 Firearms. On 04-10-2025 information was coordinated by the Wildlife Trafficking Section in relation to a known poacher who was roaming between different provinces poaching rhino. The information was coordinated to the integrated team in Zululand. The suspect was on his way to Hlabisa to prepare to enter in the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Park. The vehicle was spotted at Hlabisa business centre where it was stopped and searched. A 375 rifle was recovered hidden inside the bonnet, a silencer hidden inside the air filter and a box of new .375 ammunition with two knives. The suspect was then arrested.

  Kwambonambi CAS 35/10/2025 Firearms. On 05-10-2025 the operational team in an integrated approach followed up on information about suspects that were in possession of a .308 rifle and ammunition. The suspects were identified driving a particular vehicle on the P323 road. The vehicle was stopped and searched. The rifle and ten (10) x live ammunition were found. Three suspects were arrested.

  Rawsonville Cas 154/09/2025 Abalone On 22-09-2025 in an integrated approach intelligence driven operation was conducted in the Rawsonville area. A truck was identified and stopped by the team. The team searched the truck and discovered 13341 pieces of wet abalone. Three (3) suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of abalone.

  Swartkops Cas 168/09/2025 Abalone. On 23-09-2025 Information was received of suspected abalone poachers to be transporting illegally harvested abalone, storing and trading therein. Physical surveillance duties were conducted by integrated team during which a convoy of vehicles were monitored. Upon entering a residential premises, the Tactical Team was operationalized. A search and seizure warrant was executed in Gqeberha. The two vehicles that were previously identified as the convoy transporting illegally harvested abalone, were found parked inside the yard of the residential premises.  Two individuals were found inside the identified residential premises, and four unknown males jumped the wall and ran away.  The vehicles and residence were searched. Freshly harvested and shucked abalone were found in the premises. No permit, as stipulated by The Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, could be produced. Target 2 was monitored exiting and returning to the residence, when he and his spouse were also arrested.  All suspects detained at Swartkops.

  Gordons Bay CAS 107/09/2025 Abalone. On 24-09-2025 in an integrated approach the operational team received information about a vehicle traveling to Gordons Bay possibly transporting abalone. The vehicle was identified, stopped and searched. Wet abalone was seized. Two suspects were arrested for the illegal possession and transportation of abalone.

  Hout Bay CAS 165/09/2025 Abalone & Rock Lobster. On 28-09-2025 in an integrated approach the operational team responded to information related to the illegal selling of abalone and West Coast Rock Lobsters in Hout Bay. Two suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of west coast rock lobster.

  Gonubie CAS 82/10/2025 Abalone. On 14-10-2025 the operational team followed up on information relating to a possible abalone storage facility in Gonubie, East London. The team applied for a search and seizure warrant for the premises identified. The operational team executed the warrant and found six (6) suspects, shucked abalone and diving and processing equipment. Six suspects were arrested on the property and processing equipment seized.

  For media inquiries contact: Thobile Zulu-Molobi: +27 82 513 7154 / [email protected]