In a landmark judgment, the Middelburg Regional Court handed down an 18-year prison sentence to a 51-year-old Congolese national who was found guilty of rhino poaching and money laundering.

This is a significant step in the ongoing fight against rhino poaching in South Africa, a country that is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including the endangered rhino.

The convicted poacher operated in the Kruger National Park which has been a hotspot for rhino poaching in recent years.

The poaching syndicate involved in this case had not only targeted rhinos for their valuable horns but had also employed corrupt practices to facilitate their activities.

Reports suggest that the poacher and his 15 co-accused bribed Kruger National Park rangers to provide vital information that enabled their poaching operations.

The case sheds light on the complexities of tackling wildlife crimes. Dr. Dion George, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, expressed his dismay at the involvement of local rangers in the poaching syndicate.

George emphasized, that while a few individuals had betrayed their oath of service, this should not overshadow the dedication and sacrifices made by the majority of rangers committed to safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage.

“I can assure South Africans that poachers’ reign of terror on South African wildlife is coming to an end. The sentence imposed on the Congolese poacher is indicative of our renewed zero-tolerance stance on all forms of poaching,” George said.

His renewed commitment to the battle against poaching comes after he recently attended a course at the Southern African Wildlife College.

There, he not only gained practical ranger skills but also acquired invaluable insights into the broader issues affecting wildlife conservation, such as poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, and the challenges posed by corruption within the ranks of those tasked with protecting wildlife.

In response to this issue,SANParks has been working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved in criminal activities within the parks.

Recently, SANParks received approval to implement an Integrity Management Policy, which aims to root out corruption and strengthen the effectiveness of its anti-poaching efforts.

The policy is part of a broader strategy to address the challenges posed by poaching syndicates that rely on inside knowledge and local collaborators to operate with impunity.

SanParks added that the global demand for rhino horn, particularly in Southeast Asia, continues to drive the illegal trade, further endangering rhino populations.

With regards to the rangers who were allegedly involved in the illegal activity, SanParks explained: “We don’t know who they are , but their names will be revealed when the police arrest and charge them. We have ongoing investigations into criminality in the park , working closely with law enforcement agencies.”

George has directed legal teams to oppose bail for anyone caught poaching within the country’s national parks, a move designed to send a clear message that poaching is not just a wildlife crime but an act of economic sabotage.

“Those who engage in it will face the full might of the law,” he said.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus