Rodney Landela, once known as the 'Crown Prince of the Kruger', testified in court that he was framed for the 2016 killing of a white rhino in Kruger National Park. He and co-accused Kenneth Muchocho face charges related to the incident, amid state evidence linking them to the scene. The trial highlights tensions within conservation efforts and broader concerns over corruption in South Africa's justice system.
In the Skukuza Regional Court, former regional ranger Rodney Landela denied involvement in the poaching of a white rhino on 27 July 2016 in the Kingfisherspruit section of Kruger National Park. Landela, who was once tipped for a senior role at SANParks, testified that he and state veterinary technician Kenneth Muchocho were scouting for wild dogs affected by canine distemper that morning. He claimed they never left their vehicle and that his state-issued .375 H&H Magnum rifle, along with other items from his office safe, were planted at a nearby stash site to implicate him.
The prosecution presented forensic evidence, including DNA from the rhino on Landela's clothing and boots, spent cartridges ballistically matched to his firearm, and vehicle-tracking data from Muchocho's white Toyota Hilux. Witnesses described hearing gunshots around 7am, spotting two men fleeing to a white bakkie, and pursuing them. Rangers found the freshly killed rhino about 300 meters from where the vehicle had been parked, with its front horn removed and stomach cut open.
Financial records showed unexplained inflows of about R1-million into Landela's accounts from 2013 to 2016, despite his monthly salary of around R19,000. Muchocho, earning about R9,000 monthly, had accumulated assets worth over R1.5-million. The state argued these indicated motive, suggesting Landela's position gave him knowledge useful to poachers.
Landela maintained he had no firearm with him and would have radioed for backup if encountering poachers. He denied switching off a radio or attempting to escape custody, disputing some witness accounts. Several rangers testified to his prior reputation as a dedicated anti-poaching figure, with one expressing deep betrayal.
Prosecutor Lot Mgiba challenged Landela's credibility, pointing to inconsistencies in his statements. The trial, unfolding amid scrutiny of corruption in law enforcement, was postponed until 28 May for Muchocho's testimony. This case is part of broader efforts to address rhino poaching, which peaked with over 600 incidents in 2016.
