Former Skukuza field ranger sentenced to 10 years for poaching
The ranger was found guilty of fatally shooting a rhino in 2020 and claiming that it was self-defence.
The Skukuza Regional Court has sentenced a former Kruger field ranger to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for poaching in the Kruger National Park while on duty.
Eckson Musa Matumba (41) was found guilty of killing a rhino, was convicted and was sentenced on November 17.
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According to the provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, on September 22, 2020, two Skukuza field rangers, including the accused, were deployed at the Nwanetsi Section. The accused left his colleague and went to poach a rhino.
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“He fatally shot the rhino and went back to his colleague. He pretended that nothing had happened. When confronted, he reported that the rhino had attacked him and that he shot it in self-defence.
“In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, and Prosecutor Lot Mgiba led evidence of an expert to prove the state’s case. It proved that when the rhino was shot, it was not attacking the accused. Other evidence confirmed that the accused was in a kneeling position when he shot the rhino,” said Nyuswa.
She said the magistrate found the accused guilty and sentenced him accordingly.
