Tragedy struck at the Mkhuze Game Reserve as an employee of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife lost his life in a hippo attack on Sunday, 20 November.
According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s acting CEO, Sihle Mkhize, the victim, Mthembu, was patrolling the reserve with three colleagues, tracking footprints following reports of people setting snares in the area. The rangers decided to split up and move in different directions.
Shortly after, one of the rangers heard a gunshot from Mthembu’s location. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a hippo had attacked Mthembu. The colleague shot the hippo, which was reportedly still alive when the intervention took place. Tragically, the 31-year-old ranger did not survive the attack.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in August, where an employee at the Dinokeng Game Reserve lost his life after being mauled by lions. The reserve, located north of Pretoria, confirmed that the man was attacked while navigating the reserve on foot after dark—an activity strictly prohibited according to regulations. The employee’s remains were discovered by the reserve’s fencing team, prompting an investigation by the South African Police Service.