A former Kruger National Park regional ranger and a former state veterinary official have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino inside the protected reserve.
The sentences were handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court in connection with the killing, which took place in July 2016.
South African National Parks (SANParks) welcomed the outcome, highlighting the seriousness of the case because both convicted men had previously held positions involving responsibilities linked to the protection of South Africa’s wildlife.
Convicted Men Receive Concurrent Prison Sentences
The convicted men are Rodney Landela, a former regional ranger at Kruger National Park, and Kenneth Mochocho, who worked as a State Veterinary Animal Health Technician for the Department of Agriculture.
Both men received 10-year prison sentences for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in a protected area. They were also sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm with the intention of committing a crime.
The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning the additional four-year terms will not extend their effective prison sentences beyond 10 years.
Magistrate NP Ngobeni also declared both men unfit to possess firearms.
SANParks Welcomes Court’s Decision
SANParks said the case was particularly serious because the men had been entrusted with protecting wildlife but were convicted of abusing their positions to commit a wildlife-related offence.
The organisation commended the court for recognising the severity of the crime, pointing to its deliberate nature and the alleged misuse of an official state-issued firearm in the offence.
SANParks said a fine or a sentence that did not involve imprisonment would not have adequately served the interests of justice. The organisation also stated that it believed the crime had been driven by greed rather than necessity.
According to SANParks, the outcome reinforces the message that rhino poaching and the abuse of public trust by conservation officials will not be tolerated.
Asset Forfeiture Proceedings Underway
SANParks also welcomed the involvement of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, which is pursuing proceedings seeking declarations concerning assets belonging to the convicted men.
The asset-related proceedings form a further part of the case as authorities seek to address property associated with the individuals.
Rhino Poaching Remains a Conservation Challenge
Rhino poaching continues to pose a threat to wildlife conservation in South Africa, with protected areas such as Kruger National Park serving a central role in efforts to safeguard the country’s animals.
SANParks said people who undermine conservation efforts and the protection of South Africa’s natural heritage must face serious consequences.
