Two former conservation officials have received effective 10-year prison sentences for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in Kruger National Park.

The Skukuza Regional Court sentenced former Kruger National Park regional ranger Rodney Landela and former State Veterinary Service animal health technician Kenneth Mochocho.

The convictions relate to an incident in July 2016. The pair were found guilty of illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in a protected area, as well as possessing a firearm with the intention of committing a crime.

The sentences

Each man received 10 years in prison on the main count and four years on the firearm-related count.

The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective prison term of 10 years. According to the official report, the sentences were imposed without the option of parole.

Both men were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

A serious breach of public trust

The case is particularly serious because both men held positions connected to wildlife protection and animal health.

SANParks described the crime as a breach of trust and an abuse of official positions. It said a state-issued firearm was used in the offence.

The convictions show that conservation work depends not only on enforcement against outside poaching groups, but also on accountability within the institutions responsible for protecting wildlife.

Asset forfeiture process

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit is seeking declarations relating to assets connected to the convicted men.

This does not mean that all identified assets have already been forfeited. Any further action must follow the applicable legal process.

A case stretching back a decade

The killing took place in July 2016, while sentencing was delivered in October 2026. The long timeline illustrates how complex wildlife crime cases can take years to move from investigation to a final sentence.

SANParks said the outcome sends a strong message about rhino poaching and the betrayal of public trust.

Source: SAnews, reporting a statement from South African National Parks.

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