…sentence hailed as a sign of impartiality by Kruger National Park
Tulani Ngwenya
Skukuza, South Africa – In a historic judgement, the Skukuza Regional Court has slapped ex-field ranger, Eckson Musa Matumbu, with a 10-year imprisonment for the illicit killing of a rhino in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Matumbu, previously stationed at the Nwanetsi section, was apprehended in February 2020 after using unauthorised ammunition on his official firearm.
Initially granted bail, Matumbu’s freedom was revoked, leading to his detention until October 2023, when the court finalised the conviction. He faced charges under Section 57(1) of Act 10 of 2004 for engaging in restricted activity with a threatened species, earning a 10-year sentence. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of Act 60 of 2000.
Oscar Mthimkhulu, managing executive of KNP, welcomed the verdict, emphasising its impartiality.
“The sentence demonstrates that the law is not selective and deals with everybody involved in criminal activities. Regardless of your position, the law will catch up with you,” Mthimkhulu said.
The South African National Parks’ Communications and Marketing Department applauded the legal system’s commitment to wildlife conservation. The case serves as a stern warning within the conservation community that illegal activities will face severe consequences, regardless of one’s position or background, the department said.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict leading to historic sentence
Monica Nyuswa, the Mpumalanga provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, revealed that Matumbu, on 22 September 2020, left his colleague during a Nwanetsi Section deployment to poach a rhino. He falsely claimed self-defense after fatally shooting the rhino, but evidence, including an expert’s testimony, debunked his story.
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In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, but the magistrate found him guilty based on compelling evidence. This case underscores the persistent challenge of rhino poaching, which remains a global concern.
Sentence’s significance as rhino poaching continue to be a lingering threat
On 22 September 2020, the world celebrated World Rhino Day, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust emphasised the continued danger that rhinos face. Rhino poaching remains a significant issue, with rhinos hunted for their horns, sought after in Asia for perceived aphrodisiac qualities.
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According to the International Rhino Foundation, the global rhino population is now estimated at fewer than 27 000, highlighting the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.
Sentence highlights ongoing battle against poaching
While Matumbu’s sentencing is a victory against illegal poaching, it emphasises the ongoing battle against wildlife crimes. Poaching poses a severe threat to Africa’s ecosystems and requires collaborative efforts involving governments, conservation organisations, local communities, and technological innovations to address this critical issue.
