MPUMALANGA — South African police have launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of an alleged rhino poaching kingpin who was assassinated at his business premises on Saturday.

The deceased, widely believed to be a central figure in a major wildlife trafficking syndicate, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. According to Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, two male suspects emerged from a white bakkie and pursued the victim as he attempted to flee into his business property. Witnesses confirmed the gunmen fired several rounds at close range before escaping. This marks the second targeted attack on the individual in less than seven days, following an unsuccessful attempt on his life the previous week at the exact same location. Investigators are probing the motive but have indicated that the two hits are highly likely to be contract-style retaliations linked to illicit syndicates