Alleged rhino poaching kingpin Dumisani Gwala was shot dead in his home in the Thandizwe area of Manguzi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the death of the 64-year-old man, stating that three unknown armed suspects entered his residence, demanded money, fatally shot him, and then fled the scene. No arrests have been made, and the police have not officially commented on the motive or whether the killing is linked to his past alleged criminal activities.
Gwala was a notorious figure in the fight against rhino poaching and corruption:
- He was arrested in 2014 during a police sting operation and faced multiple charges related to the unlawful possession of rhino horn, resisting arrest, and attempted murder of a police officer.
- His high-profile trial was marked by numerous delays and allegations of a corrupt syndicate within the justice system (known as the “Blood Rhino Blacklist”) that protected high-level suspects from conviction.
- In July 2023, he was acquitted of the main wildlife crime charges after the court ruled key evidence inadmissible. He only received a suspended sentence and fine for resisting arrest.
Conservation groups like Saving the Wild had long criticized the handling of his case and used it to highlight systemic weaknesses in the justice system’s ability to prosecute high-level wildlife criminals.
Gwala’s death comes two years after the conclusion of his trial and has renewed calls from conservation activists for stronger legislative tools and minimum sentencing for wildlife crimes.
