This week of July 31, International Ranger Day, was marked by the death of Anton Mzimba, a famous ranger from the Timbavati Private Reserve in Kruger Park, murdered outside his home in South Africa.
With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
Figure of documentaries and reports, medalist for his work, Anton Mzimba was killed after 25 years of service. He was the security officer at the Timbavati Private Game Reserve in Kruger Park in northern South Africa. If the reason for his assassination is not known, Anton Mzimba knew he was threatened because of his commitment. His murder highlights the risks run by these defenders of wildlife.
” The one I fear the most is the man “, he said. The ranger had however spent his life rubbing shoulders with lions and elephants. But it was many men, three in number, who shot him in front of his home and shot his wife.
Anton Mzimba knew he was risking his life. He defined himself as a wildlife hero. This ranger has constantly warned of the intensification of poaching, in particular of rhinoceros horns. In 2021, 450 rhinos were killed in South Africa, up 13% from 2020.
Threatened or bribed
Because they are obstacles in the way of poachers, rangers are threatened or bribed to facilitate the traffic. “ The murder of Anton Mzimba highlights the daily dangers rangers face to protect our nature “, reacted the South African Minister of the Environment. United Kingdom, prince william praised the courage of the ranger he knew.
I’m deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Anton Mzimba who I spoke to in November. Committed and brave, rangers like Anton are central to the conservation of Africa’s fantastic wildlife. Those responsible must swiftly be brought to justice. My thoughts are with his family. W
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2022
Between June 2021 and today, around 100 rangers have lost their lives in Africa, many of them in homicides.