The alleged rhino poaching kingpin, Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalungu, has denied that an assassination attempt had been made on his life.

Posts that have been circulating on social media suggested that he survived an attempt on his life while he was attending a family funeral on March 8.

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Nyalungu, a former policeman, is still free despite multiple arrests in connection with illegal rhino hunting, possession of rhino horn, possession of explosives and money laundering, to mention but a few.

He has faced charges in various courts, including the Mbombela High Court, the Nelspruit Regional Court, the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court and the Skukuza Regional Court.

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“It is totally untrue that any assassination attempt was made during the funeral. Indeed, I have a bereavement at home following the death of my grandmother. My younger brother and I had some differences which resulted in him damaging my car, but he did not produce any firearm, so I do not know anything about any attempt on my life. I am, however, aware that there are many people out there who wish me dead, forgetting that all of us are God’s creations. My life is in the hands of the Lord and I pray to Him daily,” he told Lowvelder.

He also dismissed rumours that shots were fired during the funeral and asked people to stop spreading lies about him.