Rhino killer rangers jailed for 20 years

Two former Kruger National Park rangers were each sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for their involvement in poaching-related offences on Friday, reports TimesLIVE. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the Skukuza Regional Court sentenced Lucky Mkanzi and Nzima Sihlangu after finding them guilty of conspiracy to commit an offence and killing two rhinos. The rangers were stationed at the Crocodile Bridge section of the Kruger National Park and the crimes were committed between 25 and 30 December 2018 during the night. ‘Concerns arose when their supervisor received information suggesting Mkanzi and Sihlangu may have been involved in the killing of rhinos,’ Nyuswa said. The supervisor requested tracking records for the vehicle used by the accused during that period. Investigations revealed the vehicle had been stationary at the location where the two rhinos were found dead, providing evidence linking the rangers to the poaching incident,’ Nyuswa said. The supervisor's testimony in court included that Mkanzi and Sihlangu were not authorised to work night shifts without approval. ‘Police officers testified about a raid on Sihlangu’s residence, where they discovered cash payments made for the sale of rhino horns.’ In addition to the jail terms, the court ordered the forfeiture of cash found in their possession to the state.

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