Home / Crime and Justice / Ranger Jailed for Rhino Poaching Betrayal
Ranger Jailed for Rhino Poaching Betrayal
17 Oct
Summary
- A wildlife ranger received a 14-year sentence for rhino poaching.
- He was caught shooting an endangered white rhino and dehorning it.
- The conviction came after a decade-long court case with constant adjournments.
A former star wildlife ranger, Rodney Landela, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for rhino poaching in South Africa. Landela, who was once considered for the head ranger position at Kruger National Park, was caught red-handed shooting an endangered white rhino and attempting to profit from its horn.
He was arrested alongside a Kruger State wildlife vet after fellow rangers responded to gunshots. Although Landela claimed to be investigating poaching, evidence including his rifle, spent cartridges, an axe with blood, and DNA links, led to his conviction. Both men were on bail for 10 years due to court delays.
Regional Magistrate Mbogeni Ngobeni sentenced Landela and the vet to 10 years for killing a rhino and 4 years for firearm use, to be served concurrently with no parole. Landela's inside knowledge of anti-poaching operations and rhino herd locations made him invaluable to poaching syndicates.
Landela's arrest in 2016 ended his prospects of becoming Head Ranger, a position that eventually went to Cathy Dreyer in 2021. Lawyers for both convicted men have stated their intention to appeal the judgement.
