Alleged rhino poaching syndicate mastermind Joseph ‘Big Joe’ Nyalungu has been discharged from hospital after he was shot on Friday night (May 8).

Speaking exclusively to Lowveld Media senior journalist Riot Hlatshwayo yesterday, Nyalungu said he was thankful to God for surviving the attack.

He also expressed concern over reports that he had been killed.

“I’m alive and kicking. Those saying l died are busy publishing nonsense without proof. They say l am dead, but here l am talking to you. My death will come at the right time,” Nyalungu told Hlatshwayo.

Attack at business premises

He said he was at his business premises in the Mkhuhlu Crossroads section when he was attacked at around 19:00.

“My vehicle’s brakes had been tampered with. My mechanics were busy repairing the brakes when a young boy walked through the gate straight to where l was sitting on a chair in the yard,” said Nyalungu.

He added that no one initially suspected the boy was a threat.

“He, however, produced a pistol and shot at me more than 10 times. I was hit on my left shoulder and thigh as well as in the stomach.”

He said he fell off the chair and tried to crawl away from the attacker, who reportedly panicked and fled.

“My guys immediately rushed me to hospital where l received treatment before being discharged in the early hours of the morning,” said Nyalungu.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the shooting. He said a case of attempted murder has been opened and that no arrests have yet been made.

Friend defends Nyalungu

Nyalungu’s close friend, Charles Mchayisenga Nkuna, from Dzumeri Settlement near Giyani in Limpopo, was with him during the interview.

“After hearing that my friend had been shot l immediately drove all the way from Limpopo to attend to him,” said Nkuna.

“I’m saddened by those who wish him dead. Big Joe is a very kind man. He is accused of rhino poaching, yes, but why has he not been convicted of the same for nearly a decade and a half? His accusers are implicating him in crimes that they cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt,” added Nkuna.

Long-running legal battles

Nyalungu is facing several charges related to rhino poaching, as well as unlawful possession of firearms, explosives, ammunition and equipment allegedly used in poaching.

He has been released on bail several times following arrests dating back to around 2008.

Following a more recent arrest in 2024, Nyalungu spent more than six months awaiting trial in various Limpopo prisons.

He was arrested in Hoedspruit following a high-speed car chase and the discovery of knives and other tools believed to be used in rhino poaching.

Magistrate Sam Phakula eventually granted him R10 000 bail in the Napuno Magistrate’s Court.

Nyalungu was arrested again a few months later, this time at his business in Mkhuhlu, after police said they found explosives and ammunition on the premises.

The Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court granted him R20 000 bail and the case is ongoing.

He has open cases in several courts across the region.

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