By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
In a landmark ruling, two former KNP(Kruger National Park) field rangers, Lucky Mkanzi(30) and Joel Sihlangu(32), were sentenced to an effective 20-year jail term, on Friday 27 September, for their involvement in rhino poaching.
The two men were reportedly attached to the Crocodile Bridge Section of the KNP at the time of their arrest in January 2019, after an intelligence-driven operation revealed their role in transporting poaching suspects in the Godleni area, where two white rhino carcasses were discovered.
SANParks Head of Communications, JP Louw, said the two accused were taken to custody and confessed to their involvement after analysis of their vehicle tracking device placed them at the vicinity of the crime scene.
“ An amount of R41 000 was recovered from Joe Sihlangu’s room and it was determined that the money was payment for participation in the commission of the crime,” said Louw.
According to Louw, the trial for the two accused started on 4 September 2024 and the court found them guilty on three counts after compelling evidence was presented by the state.
“ They were found guilty on; Conspiracy to commit a crime(4 years sentences), Hunting of rhinoceros in a National Park(10 years imprisonment), Hunting and killing rhinoceros in a National Park(10 years imprisonment),” said Louw.
He added that the court ordered for the sentences in count 1 and 2 to run concurrently, with that of count 3 resulting in an effective jail term of 20 years for each accused.
“ SANParks Management has welcomed the sentences and congratulate the Rangers Corp, Environmental Investigative Unit(ECI), the South African Police Service(SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority(NPA).
“ The organisation hopes these sentences will send a strong message to the Rangers’ Corps that criminality will not be tolerated and that those involved will face the full might of the law and suffer the consequences of their action,” Louw concluded.
