MANDLA Mchunu (40) of Mbonga was shot and killed in a shoot-out between suspected poachers and game reserve security guards at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve on Tuesday.
Head of Thula Thula Game Reserve’s security, Vusi Gumede, explained that at 7am on Tuesday morning guards at the reserve were conducting patrols when they heard two gunshots.
The guards followed the sounds of the shots and was confronted by six armed men, some standing on the fence and others inside the premises.
‘Our guards commanded them to drop their weapons and instead they proceeded to open fire’, said Gumede.
The guards retaliated, which resulted in the death of Mchunu, while one of the guards was injured.
‘The guard was injured on his upper eye, left shoulder, right elbow and throat and was rushed to Empangeni Garden Clinic and later discharged.’
Five of the suspected poachers escaped and the guards found the body of Mchunu in the bush.
The Ntambanana SAPS arrived on the scene, seizing a .303 assault rifle licensed to a Mr Mchunu, who it is believed to be the father of the deceased.
The police proceeded to the Mchunu homestead where they consequently confiscated another rifle licensed to Mchunu (father), who was then arrested for allowing a person to possess his firearm without a license.
A case of murder, attempted murder, the possession of an unlicensed firearm and allowing a person to possess a firearm without a license has been opened.
Five suspects have been arrested and are expected to appear at the Ngwelezane Magistrate’s Court in due course.
Well done to all forces that strive to protect these animals its with great pleasure and no apology on the out come of wat has happend cause it is normaly the other whay around on where the rhino is the victim we need to act now before it is to late job well done
No bail for this man the must be in jail.we need to look after our rhanos
I have no sympathy as they have no sympathy for the rhinos!