Skukuza:The South African National Parks (SANParks) has expressed approval of the guilty verdict rendered against former Kruger National Park Regional Ranger, Rodney Landela, and former State Veterinary Service Animal Health Technician, Kenneth Mochocho. The two were convicted for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in a protected area and possessing a firearm with the intent to commit a crime.
According to South African Government News Agency, the accused originally faced six charges. However, four charges, which included theft related to the stolen rhino horns, conspiracy to commit a crime, disposing of or tampering with evidence, and escaping from lawful custody, were later withdrawn.
The Skukuza Regional Court found the pair guilty of the remaining charges concerning the illegal hunting of a protected species and firearm possession with criminal intent. SANParks stated that this judgement concludes a case that has been ongoing for about a decade and marks a significant achievement in combating wildlife crime and safeguarding South Africa's natural heritage.
SANParks commended the efforts of the National Prosecuting Authority, investigators, law enforcement agencies, witnesses, and all individuals involved in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.