WATERBERG DISTRICT — An unidentified male suspect was fatally wounded in a shootout with an Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) on the night of Friday, 19 June 2026, following the discovery of three fresh white rhinoceros carcasses in the Waterberg District.
The incident occurred at approximately 23:00 on a farm within the Pienaarsrivier policing precinct. APU members conducting routine patrols heard three gunshots and immediately deployed drones to locate the suspects and assess the area for rhino carcasses. The drones detected suspected poachers—one carrying a rifle and another carrying a backpack—and relayed their coordinates to the police.
As the suspects fled into the nearby bush, APU members and the drone came under fire while tracking the group. Police returned fire in self-defense, fatally wounding one of the suspects. No identification was found on the deceased, but a firearm was recovered next to his body.
Following the confrontation, drones located three fresh white rhino carcasses on the property. Two of the animals had been dehorned, while the third was not. Officers recovered a knife in a sheath and an additional empty sheath at the carcass site.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe addressed the incident, stating: “Rhino poaching is a serious organised crime that threatens our wildlife and the safety of our members. This incident shows our Anti-Poaching Units will respond decisively to protect our natural heritage.”
Police have officially opened cases of rhino poaching, murder, and attempted murder. A manhunt is currently underway for the remaining unidentified male suspects.