Chief Clyde Mnisi was expected to appear in the Mpumalanga High Court in April to face charges relating to rhino poaching. He was shot and killed on Sunday night, March 26.

Chief Clyde Mnisi (37) from Bohlabela in the Ehlanzeni District was fatally shot, allegedly multiple times, next to the KMI Airport road near White River late on Sunday night, March 26.

A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said in a statement that the incident had occurred at 23:10.

Mnisi was due to appear in the Mpumalanga High Court on April 17. The matter relates to rhino poaching offences and money laundering.

Mohlala said Mnisi was travelling as a passenger in a Toyota Avanza when one of the vehicle’s tyres was punctured. The driver stopped on the roadside and was waiting for assistance to change the tyre, when a group of about five heavily armed men wearing balaclavas and gloves drove up to the Avanza in a BMW X5.

Mohlala said the armed men climbed out of the BMW carrying high-calibre rifles, and went straight to the passenger side where Mnisi was sitting.

He said the shooters reportedly said something to Mnisi, although it is unclear what, before opening fire on the chief.

Mnisi died on the scene, reportedly due to the multiple gunshot wounds he had sustained.

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