Former Kruger game ranger convicted of rhino poaching in Skukuza court
A ten-year legal battle ends as court rejects claims of a frame-up and convicts former Kruger Park staff using official rifle evidence.
Rodney Landela, a former senior game ranger in the Kruger National Park, was found guilty of rhino poaching in the Skukuza Regional Court.
Landela and former state veterinary service animal health technician Kenneth Mochocho were arrested on July 27, 2016, in the Kingfisherspruit region.
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Landela and Mochocho were convicted of illegal hunting, killing a rhino, and possession of a firearm.
During the trial, the state submitted evidence that an official park rifle issued to Landela was used to shoot the animal. The two horns of the rhino were also found in their possession.
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Both men had pleaded not guilty, claiming they were framed. However, regional court magistrate Mbongeni Ngobeni rejected their version of events during his five-hour-long reading of his verdict.
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The case was postponed to October 16 for sentencing. Both men remain in custody.
