Johannesburg – A ranger whose job was to protect animals at the Kruger National Park has been sent to prison for 10 years for poaching rhino.
Eckson Musa Matumbu, who has since lost his job as a ranger, was sentenced on Friday by the Skukuza Regional Court in White River, Mpumalanga, to an effective 10-year jail term.
Matumbu was based at the Nwanetsi Section in the Kruger National Park when he was arrested in February 2020 for killing a rhino with an official firearm issued to him.
He used non-issued ammunition to kill the rhino.
Initially, the accused was granted bail, but it was later cancelled and Matumbu was placed in custody.
On Friday, Matumbu was found guilty of carrying out a restricted activity involving a threatened or protected species in a national park and sentenced to 10 years.
The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
In a statement, the South African National Parks said it “welcomed” the sentencing of ex-field ranger Matumbu.
Commenting on the sentence, Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park Oscar Mthimkhulu said: “We are pleased with the sentence as it demonstrates that the law is not selective and deals with everybody who is involved in criminal activities.
“I hope our colleagues will learn from this case that regardless of your position, the law will catch up with you.
“We also appreciate the Skukuza Regional Court for the continued convictions and sentences without fail”.
