Dedicated ranger’s many close shaves
ONE of the rangers whose body was recovered in the murky waters of a Zululand lake had three earlier brushes with death while in the wild and, perhaps, “it was his time to go”.
Family of Phumlani Mthembu, were paying tribute yesterday to the Ezemvelo game ranger who had faced down dangerous animals a number of times while on duty, doing the job he loved.
Mthembu, 34 and his colleague Mbazani Mhlongo, 57 went missing after paddling a confiscated dugout canoe, loaded with illegal nets on Nhlabane Lake, midway between St Lucia and Richards Bay last Friday.
Mthembu’s body was recovered on Monday afternoon and Mhlongo’s yesterday.
Mthembu’s relative, Thembinkosi Ndlazi, said Mthembu had had a number of dangerous encounters during his career.
“There was a time when he was attacked by a lion; one where he had an encounter with an elephant, and he was also admitted to hospital after being attacked by a rhino. Maybe now it was his time to go,” he said.
Recounting the events, he said Mthembu had stumbled on a lone lion during a routine patrol. The lion charged him and Mthembu fled unharmed.
Mthembu was injured during his next encounter, when a rhino attacked him and the student ranger he was training.
“Mthembu was showing the student how rhinos at the Imfolozi park were tracked by pointing out the tracking devices used on the animals.
“Despite being a fair distance from the animal it charged.”
Ndlazi said that Mthembu shielded the student and bore the brunt of the attack.
“The rhino tried to gore him with its horn and tossed him to the ground but left the pair after Mthembu played dead.
“He suffered injuries on his face and back.”
Ndlazi said prayer had kept them going during the traumatic three-day search.
Ndlazi described Mthembu as one the strongest individuals he knew – and a man who loved his job.
“He never gave up on life and was the kind of person who always finished what he started,” Ndlazi said.
He said the family was anxious about how they would manage nowbecause Mthembu had been the sole breadwinner and was supporting four children.
“Right now we are worried, but at the same time relieved that their bodies have been found without any injuries. A question that has also crossed our minds is how it happened. I guess we will never know,” he said.
Ndlazi thanked all those who were involved in the search saying it gave them comfort that they cared and never gave up.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife chief executive, Dr Bandile Mkhize told the bereaved families that they were deeply saddened by their loss.
“We trust that we will all cherish the times we spent with two of our departed colleagues. May we remember not just that they died but that they lived,” he said.