Timbavati’s head of Ranger Services killed

Condolences have been coming in from far and wide as the conservation world mourns the loss of one its biggest ranger heroes.
Even Prince William adding his voice.

Anton Mzimba, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve’s head of Ranger Services, was killed on July 26. The police said they would issue a statement on the matter soon.

Timbavati shared the following as a tribute to Mzimba:
“Anton, you have left a legacy – one which we will, in your honour, hold up high and never forget.

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“We mourn the loss of Mr Anton Mzimba, head of Ranger Services, who dedicated 25 years of his life to the Timbavati. The Timbavati, as well as our Greater Kruger landscape, has not only lost a great man, but we have lost a special family member, a rhino warrior, a wildlife guardian, a loved one, a comrade, a friend and a true legend.

“Let us honour his memory with a tribute to his life.
“We share our condolences to all those who have had the pleasure of walking alongside Anton. Those who have followed his journey, his footsteps, his passions.

“We thank Anton for giving of his life and love to the wildlife and people of the Timbavati. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.

“We ask that people remain cognisant of the family’s privacy during this time of loss and mourning. We also remind the public and media that, while the Timbavati is co-operating with the authorities in the investigations that are under way, the reserve needs to remain confidential about the details of these at this stage.”

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Prince William said he was deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Mzimba, whom he had spoken to in November.

“Committed and brave rangers like Anton are central to the conservation of Africa’s fantastic wildlife. Those responsible must swiftly be brought to justice. My thoughts are with his family.”