AFTER a shoot-out with game rangers, four men were arrested for the illegal possession of rhino horn on Tuesday night.

While on routine patrol in KwaMankamisa inside the iMfolozi section of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife rangers came across two suspects carrying a firearm and a bag.

The suspects fled through a hole in the fence, leaving the bag behind in which a rhino horn was found.

Police were alerted and intensive efforts by a Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team and Ezemvelo officers to trace the suspects ensued.

At about 10pm on Tuesday night the officers spotted a Toyota bakkie with four occupants.

The driver failed to stop when ordered to do so and according to police reports the suspects then started shooting at the law enforcement officers who retaliated, wounding all four.

The suspects were arrested and taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment under police guard.

They will be charged with possession of rhino horn, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as attempted murder.

KZN’s total number of rhinos poached so far this year stands at 31, as confirmed by Ezemvelo yesterday (Thursday).