Dismissed KNP rangers and family members in court
Two dismissed Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers who shared information with criminals, as well as their family members who helped them to launder the cash received for the information, appeared in the Skukuza Regional Court.
The dismissed rangers, Chikwa David Maluleke and Solly Ubisi were granted bail on Tuesday, December 6. Nine of their family members were arrested by the Hawks on Friday, December 2, and also appeared in court. The suspects related to Maluleke, Joyce Maluleke, Stephinah Mbombi, Otters Maluleke, Miyelani Maluleke, and Nkhensani Maluleke were all released on bail of R5000 each and will appear before the court in January 2023.
The suspects related to Ubisi, Thandi Makhuvele, Alsinah Mkhonto, Ignatia Mnisi, and Given Mzimba were remanded in custody and will appear again on Thursday, December 8 for a formal bail hearing. The rangers were dismissed earlier this year after they were found guilty in an internal disciplinary hearing. They allegedly shared information with criminals and after receiving cash for the information, their family members became involved to launder the proceeds.
Also read: KNP tightens security for festive season
Sanparks said in a statement that they welcomed the appearance of the family members. Managing executive of the KNP, Dr. Danny Govender, praised the work done by the law enforcement agencies and said he hopes this will send a strong message to family members and friends of criminals “that money acquired through illegal means, leaves a very strong trail”. “We have the capability in this country to follow that trail and bring these criminals to justice.
“We are glad that those suspected to be complicit in the money laundering and fraud activities will now realise that crime does not pay and that the hand of the law is very long. We will follow both trials as an interested and affected party,” concluded Govender.
