Two former Kruger National Park field rangers were sentenced to 20 years’ direct imprisonment each for rhino poaching.
The Skukuza Regional Court secured the win for this near-extinct species on Friday, September 27, when it handed down sentences to Lucky Mkanzi (30) and Nzima Joel Sihlangu (32).
Mkanzi and Sihlangu, both stationed at the Crocodile Bridge section of the Kruger at the time, were found guilty on three counts relating to conspiracy to commit an offence and the killing of two rhinos. The killings took place between December 25 and 30, 2018, at night during a period when the accused were on day shift.
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Mpumalanga’s regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said some concerns arose when their supervisor received information suggesting Mkanzi and Sihlangu might have been involved in the killing of rhinos.
Consequently, the supervisor requested tracking records for the vehicle the accused used during this period.
“Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been stationary at the location where the two rhinos were found dead, providing key evidence linking the rangers to the poaching incident,” said Nyuswa.
The state prosecutor, Lot Mgiba, presented testimonies from the accused’s supervisor and a tracking expert, which confirmed the vehicle’s movements. The court also heard Mkanzi and Sihlangu were not authorised to conduct night shifts without prior approval.
Police officers told the court about a raid on Sihlangu’s home where some cash received as payment for the rhino horns was discovered.
“After careful consideration of the evidence, the court found the pair guilty on all charges,” said Nyuswa.
Mkanzi and Sihlangu received sentences of four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit an offence and 10 years for each of the two rhinos they killed.
The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 20 years’ direct imprisonment for each accused. The court also ordered the cash found in their possession to be forfeited to the State.
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The NPA welcomed the sentencing, reaffirming its commitment to prosecuting environmental crime.
“Poaching is a serious crime that poses a significant threat to endangered species and carries lifelong consequences for the environment and biodiversity,” said Nyuswa, emphasising the importance of holding offenders accountable and protecting wildlife for future generations.
