New research from South Africa's Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter has uncovered the oldest direct evidence of poisoned arrow tips, dating back 60,000 years. This discovery significantly predates previous findings from Egypt, which were dated to 4,000 years ago. Molecular analysis of ten quartz arrow tips revealed the presence of toxic plant alkaloids, specifically buphandrine and epibuphanisine, known to be derived from the gifbol plant (Boophone disticha). These same alkaloids were found on arrowheads collected in the region 250 years ago, indicating a long-standing tradition of using this specific poison. The findings suggest that ancient hunter-gatherers in southern Africa possessed advanced knowledge of plant properties, extraction techniques, and hunting strategies, contributing to the evolutionary success of Homo sapiens.