A South African ranger was shot dead outside his home this week, a killing that illustrates the dangers facing conservationists fighting poaching in that country, the government said on Thursday.
Anton Mzimba, 42, chief ranger at the Timbavati Private Reserve, located near the famous Kruger Nature Park in northeastern South Africa, was shot dead as he left his home on Tuesday, the Environment Ministry said.
A “rhinoceros warrior”
In a statement, the reserve said it had lost a “rhino warrior, wildlife keeper…and a true legend.”
Although the circumstances surrounding the murder are unclear, the British charity Helping Rhinos said Mzimba had recently received “death threats”.
Nearly 80% of the planet’s rhinos are found in South Africa. This makes it a hotspot for poaching this endangered animal, driven by demand from Asia, where the horns are used in traditional medicine.
several times awarded
Mzimba had been awarded various prizes for his work, for more than twenty years. He was featured in a 2022 documentary that illustrated efforts to fight poaching gangs.
In a post on Twitter, Prince William said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of Anton Mzimba, who I spoke to in November.” He called for those responsible to be brought “quickly” to justice.
The South African government said the killing illustrated the dangers wildlife defenders face in the country.
More than 450 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa in 2021, according to official figures.
Source: BFM TV
