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Surveying elephants is hard, risky work. Dedicated biologists have been doing this challenging task across Africa for decades. Systematic surveying started in the late 1960s but has been sporadic, as access to remote areas takes logistical planning, funding and well-trained teams. Surveys can easily be derailed by civil unrest or lack of available survey teams. Consequently, the information on the numbers of elephants across Africa is spotty. Even for a single population, survey effort and coverage can change over the years.

Two suspected rhino poachers have been shot and killed in the Kruger National Park's Sabie Sands in Mpumalanga. According to the police, the park's rangers spotted the two poachers and when approached, they opened fire on the rangers. The rangers retaliated and fatally shot the suspected poachers. Provincial police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane says police found two hunting rifles and 16 rounds of ammunition. "The two suspects were spotted and opened fire instead of running and a shootout between the rangers and the poachers ensued.

Three poachers were sentenced to a cumulative 85 years imprisonment on charges relating to a rhino poaching incident at the Pilanesberg Game Reservice in the North West. On 2 July 2018, the trio were trying to leave the game reserve in the North West in a white Ford bakkie loaded with stolen rhino horns valued at R1.5 million. Their bail application was denied and they remained in police custody until the completion of the trial.