Two former field rangers, Lucky Mkanzi and Nzima Joel Sihlangu, who were recently convicted of rhino poaching-related offences, have faced further legal consequences as the Skukuza Regional Court granted a confiscation order in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga.

According to the NPA’s regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the order compels the duo to pay R836 600 plus 11% interest, backdated to February 1, 2019 – the date the two rhinos were poached.

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“The court further directed that R41 820, currently held in the SAPS ABSA Suspense bank account, be paid over to SANParks to support anti-rhino poaching efforts. Mkanzi and Sihlangu were each sentenced to 20 years behind bars for offences committed between December 25 and 30, 2018, in the Skukuza section of the Kruger National Park. At the time of the offences, both men were assigned to the day shift at the Crocodile Bridge section and were not authorised to work at night. Their supervisor testified that neither of the accused had permission to be on night duty.”

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“The prosecution presented evidence proving the vehicle used by the accused was parked where the rhinos were killed. A tracking expert confirmed the vehicle’s movements, placing them at the crime scene. A police officer testified about a raid on Sihlangu’s residence, where cash from the sale of rhino horns was found. Both accused were convicted of conspiracy to commit an offence and the illegal killing of two rhinos,” Nyuswa said.

The AFU plays a vital role in ensuring criminals do not benefit from their unlawful actions. Through the AFU, the NPA continues to reinforce accountability and uphold the rule of law, showing that crime has serious financial and legal consequences.