The Skukuza Regional Court sentenced two former field rangers to 14 years behind bars for rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.

Their sentence was handed down on September 12.

Freedom Mabilane (39) and Tshifiwa Ramunashi (49) were each convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and killing of a rhino.
Four years would be served for conspiracy to commit a crime and a further 10 years’ imprisonment for the rhino killing. Both were declared unfit to ever own a firearm.

The Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said that the incident occurred on May 3, 2018.

The accused were deployed to patrol the Houtboschrand section of the KNP when tourists reported hearing gunshots.

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“When questioned, the accused falsely claimed they had fired at an elephant that was attacking them. Management requested GPS co-ordinates of the shooting, which led to further investigation. A rhino carcass and cartridge cases were later discovered three kilometres away from where the accused claimed the elephant charged them,” she said.

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They were arrested and released on strict bail conditions. In court, they pleaded not guilty and denied involvement.

“However, state prosecutor Lot Mgiba presented overwhelming evidence against them. These included testimony from senior rangers who investigated the incident and GPS data placing the accused at the crime scene. Ballistic evidence also linked the cartridge cases to the accused’s firearm, while DNA evidence on their clothing matched that of the rhino carcass,” Nyuswa explained.

The court dismissed the men’s’ version of events and accepted the state’s case.