A former Kruger National Park regional ranger and a former state veterinary official have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the illegal killing of a white rhino inside the park.
South African National Parks (SANParks) welcomed the sentences handed down at the Skukuza Regional Court, describing the case as particularly serious because the convicted men were entrusted with protecting South Africa’s wildlife.
Convicted
Former regional ranger Rodney Landela and Kenneth Mochocho, a former State Veterinary Animal Health Technician employed by the Department of Agriculture, were convicted in connection with the killing of the rhino in July 2016.
The court sentenced both men to 10 years’ imprisonment for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in a protected area. They also received four-year sentences for possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime.
The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the men will effectively serve 10 years in prison.
Magistrate NP Ngobeni also declared both men unfit to possess firearms.
SANParks welcomes prison sentences
SANParks said the case was especially concerning because the two men had been entrusted with safeguarding the country’s wildlife but instead abused their positions to commit a wildlife crime.
The organisation commended the court for recognising the seriousness of the offence, including the deliberate nature of the crime and the misuse of an official state-issued firearm.
SANParks argued that a fine or a non-custodial sentence would not have served the interests of justice, particularly because it believed the crime was motivated by greed rather than need.
The organisation said the sentence sent a strong message that rhino poaching and the abuse of public trust by conservation officials would not be tolerated.
Asset forfeiture proceedings
SANParks also welcomed the involvement of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, which is seeking declarations relating to the convicted men’s assets.
The proceedings add another dimension to the case, as authorities seek to address assets associated with the convicted individuals.
Rhino poaching remains a serious threat to South Africa’s conservation efforts, with protected areas such as the Kruger National Park playing a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s wildlife.
SANParks said those who undermine conservation work and the protection of South Africa’s natural heritage must face serious consequences.