“They Were Supposed to Protect Rhinos. Now They Face 10 Years in Prison.”
By: Nokulunga Lebambo
A decade-long court case has ended with two former state officials being sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in the Kruger National Park.
Former Kruger National Park regional ranger Rodney Landela and former state veterinary animal health technician Kenneth Mochocho have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the illegal killing of a white rhino in the protected area in July 2016.
The Skukuza Regional Court handed down the sentences on Friday, 16 October 2026, after the two men were convicted of illegally hunting and killing a rhino in a protected area and possessing a firearm with the intent to commit a crime.
According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the court sentenced the men to 10 years’ imprisonment on the main charge and four years for the firearm-related offence. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the men will serve an effective 10 years in prison.
Magistrate NP Ngobeni also declared both men unfit to possess firearms.
SANParks has welcomed the sentences, describing the case as particularly serious because the two men had been entrusted with protecting South Africa’s wildlife.
The organisation said the accused had abused their positions of trust by becoming involved in a wildlife crime.
SANParks also highlighted the alleged misuse of an official state-issued firearm and said the seriousness of the offences warranted imprisonment rather than a fine or a non-custodial sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit is also seeking declarations relating to the convicted men’s assets, SANParks said.
The case has been before the courts for approximately 10 years, dating back to the killing of the white rhino in July 2016.
The men initially faced six charges, but four were later withdrawn. These included theft relating to the stolen rhino horns, conspiracy to commit a crime, tampering with evidence and escaping from lawful custody.
Former Kruger ranger and colleague jailed for 10 years over rhino killing
A decade-long court case has ended with two former state officials being sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally hunting and killing a white rhino in the Kruger National Park.
Former Kruger National Park regional ranger Rodney Landela and former state veterinary animal health technician Kenneth Mochocho have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the illegal killing of a white rhino in the protected area in July 2016.
The Skukuza Regional Court handed down the sentences on Friday, 16 October 2026, after the two men were convicted of illegally hunting and killing a rhino in a protected area and possessing a firearm with the intent to commit a crime.
According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the court sentenced the men to 10 years’ imprisonment on the main charge and four years for the firearm-related offence. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the men will serve an effective 10 years in prison.
Magistrate NP Ngobeni also declared both men unfit to possess firearms.
SANParks welcomes sentence
The organisation said the case sends a strong message that rhino poaching and the abuse of public trust by conservation officials will not be tolerated.
Asset forfeiture proceedings
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit is seeking declarations relating to the convicted men’s assets, SANParks said.
The case has been before the courts for approximately 10 years, dating back to the killing of the white rhino in July 2016.
The men initially faced six charges, but four were later withdrawn. These included theft relating to the stolen rhino horns, conspiracy to commit a crime, tampering with evidence and escaping from lawful custody.
The convictions and sentences mark a significant development in a case involving two former officials whose responsibilities included protecting wildlife.