Ezemvelo reaffirms support for field rangers amid rhino poaching decline

A total of 86 rhinos have been poached in KZN in 2025 to date – compared with 218 to November last year.

This decline, in a large part, is owing to the tireless work by field rangers on the frontline at reserves like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), says Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO, Sihle Mkhize.

Speaking during an impromptu get-together with the team, Mkhize reaffirmed Ezemvelo’s support for frontline staff.

“Ezemvelo will do everything in its power to ensure that every field ranger who must appear in court receives the support they need,” he said.

Mkhize further thanked rangers for voluntarily participating in the organisation’s polygraph testing process which strengthens internal security and ensures the integrity of anti-poaching operations.

Anti-poaching strategy

During the gathering, Laura Fynn, Ezemvelo’s data analyst, provided an overview of the five-element Anti-Poaching Strategy – including the ‘tea and coffee’ strategy.

This tactic sees the Anti-Poaching Unit visiting alleged poachers out on bail, serving as a constant reminder that their activities remain under close observation and that Ezemvelo maintains a zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crime.

Fynn further revealed that Ezemvelo has successfully destabilised four of five known members of poaching groups.

Building on this success, the organisation has identified an additional five group leaders whose activities are now under 24-hour surveillance.

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