Two former rangers from Kruger National Park (KNP), Lucky Mkanzi and Joe Sihlangu, were sentenced on Friday to an effective 20 years in prison for their involvement in rhino poaching, according to South African National Parks (SANParks).
Arrested in January 2019, Mkanzi and Sihlangu were linked to the transportation of poaching suspects in the Godleni area, where the carcasses of two white rhinos were found.
Vehicle tracking analysis placed them near the crime scene.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw stated that the two confessed to their roles in the crime.
Authorities recovered R41,000 from Sihlangu’s residence, confirmed as payment for his participation.
In the Skukuza Regional Court, both were convicted on multiple charges:
Four years for conspiracy to commit a crime.
20 years for hunting two rhinos in a national park.
Another 20 years for hunting and killing two rhinos in a national park.
Some sentences will run concurrently, resulting in the effective 20-year term.
Louw welcomed the sentences, emphasizing that they should send a strong message that criminality within the Rangers’ Corps will not be tolerated.
He commended the collaboration between the Rangers’ Corp, Environmental Investigative Unit, South African Police Service, and the National Prosecuting Authority for their efforts.
“This is a testament to the hard work of our Rangers and the various investigative units involved,” Louw added. “We hope this serves as a strong deterrent to anyone considering engaging in such criminal activities.”