Skukuza:The Skukuza Regional Court has sentenced Rodney Landela, a former Kruger National Park Regional Ranger, and Kenneth Mochocho, a former State Veterinary Service Animal Health Technician, for the illegal hunting and killing of a white rhino in a protected area. They were also charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a crime.

According to South African Government News Agency, the South African National Parks (SANParks) welcomed the sentencing, which was delivered on Friday for the incident that occurred in July 2016. The court imposed a 10-year imprisonment sentence on the main count and an additional four years for firearm possession, with sentences to run concurrently. This effectively results in a 10-year imprisonment without parole.

The Magistrate also declared Landela and Mochocho unfit to possess firearms. SANParks praised the involvement of the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa's Asset Forfeiture Unit, which is working to secure declarations of the convicted individuals' assets.

SANParks emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting the betrayal of trust by the individuals who were meant to protect wildlife. The organization commended the court for acknowledging the gravity of the crime, particularly highlighting the misuse of a state-issued firearm and the deliberate nature of the offense. SANParks stated that a custodial sentence is necessary to serve justice, especially as the crimes were motivated by greed.

The organization further stated that the sentence serves as a strong deterrent against rhino poaching and betraying public trust by conservation officials, underscoring that such actions will have severe repercussions.