On April 10, 2026, the Skukuza Regional Court convicted Nyiko Gumede, Nomsa Ndlovu and Ludwick Mhlaba, former Kruger National Park employees, of killing a rhino and conspiring to smuggle its horns. The 2021 case involved an entrapment operation after rangers found evidence at a poaching scene. Sentencing is postponed to April 24, with a minimum 10-year prison term possible.
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted the three on Friday for charges stemming from a 2021 incident in the park's Skukuza section. Rangers had responded to gunshots and discovered a slain white rhino carcass, along with freshly cut horns, a cellphone and a firearm.
A call from the cellphone led investigators to Gumede. Posing as buyers interested in the horns, police set up an entrapment that resulted in the arrests of Gumede, Ndlovu and Mhlaba. At the time, Gumede and Ndlovu worked as guards at park entrance gates, patrolling for poachers, while Mhlaba maintained SANParks vehicles.
The accused claimed they were framed by colleagues, but prosecutor Lot Mgiba challenged this during cross-examination. Magistrate MJ Ngobeni ruled the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting the accused drove past a police vehicle after the sting without stopping if innocent.
Monica Nyuswa, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, stated: “They were entrusted with the duty to safeguard and protect wildlife.” Investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer commented: “Again and again, investigations uncover some degree of insider involvement – whether through access, intelligence or direct participation.”
Sentencing is set for April 24. A separate trial involving former ranger Rodney Landela and technician Kenneth Muchocho for a 2016 poaching is ongoing in the same court.
