S. A: JOSEPH “BIG JOE” NYALUNGU, A CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE LONG LINKED TO ALLEGED RHINO POACHING SYNDICATES OPERATING AROUND THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD IN MPUMALANGA.(PHOTO).

 Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalungu, a controversial figure long linked to alleged rhino poaching syndicates operating around the Kruger National Park, has been shot dead in Mpumalanga.  

Nyalungu, a former SAPS member, was for years repeatedly named in major organised wildlife crime investigations involving alleged rhino horn trafficking, racketeering, illegal firearms, explosives and money laundering. He denied various allegations in court matters over the years, and many cases were still before the courts.  

Authorities alleged he played a key role in cross-border rhino poaching networks operating in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Conservation groups and investigators often described him as one of the most prominent alleged underworld figures connected to wildlife crime in the region.  

Earlier this month, Nyalungu survived an attempted hit after gunmen opened fire on him at his business premises in Mkhuhlu Crossroads. He was wounded and later discharged from hospital.  

Just days later, gunmen reportedly returned to the same premises and fatally shot him.  

His death again places attention on the violent world surrounding rhino poaching syndicates, organised crime and illegal wildlife trafficking in southern Africa.