Ranger killed by buffalo
AMBUSH: ANIMAL HURT, CHARGES
‘There are few things more dangerous.’
South African National Parks (SANParks) field ranger and dog handler Shando Mathebula, 36, was killed on Wednesday during a routine patrol in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Mathebula was based in the Shangoni section in the north of the park, between Punda Maria and Malopene, west of Shingwedzi camp.
According to KNP spokesperson Ike Phaahla, the patrol – consisting of three rangers – was charged by a buffalo which was subsequently shot and wounded.
“There are few things more dangerous than a wounded buffalo in the bush,” Phaahla said.
It appeared the buffalo did what came naturally next, and hid itself in the bush.
Phaahla said it charged when the rangers came closer and may have gored Mathebula.
Apparently, in trying to save him, a shot or shots were fired at the buffalo, killing it.
Addressing allegations that Mathebula may have been shot in the melee, Phaahla said given the confusion and panic of the moment, “we are waiting for the post-mortem results before we can say conclusively what the cause of death was”.
Phaahla said the exact circumstances and cause of Mathebula’s death were under investigation by the South African Police Service and SANParks.
“We will wait for the true story and the facts behind it and hear what actually happened,” Phaahla said.
“However, it does show the incredibly dangerous conditions the rangers work under.”
Acting SANParks chief executive Dumisani Dlamini expressed his sadness and that of the entire organisation.
Dlamini extended condolences to the Mathebula family, friends, associates and fellow workers while paying tribute to the fallen ranger.
“Very few people have the courage and necessary skills to perform the important undertaking other than rangers, in which Shando was and will forever be part of.
“His dedication was influenced by the need to promote the principles of conservation and making sure that our fauna and flora are protected.
“He will rank among the rangers who have died on while serving the people of South Africa, protecting the environment and what the organisation stands for.
“Etlela hi kurhula – n’wana wa hina; may your soul rest in peace. You upheld the ranger values and flew the SANParks flag high with dignity,” he said.
The notoriously bad tempered Cape Buffalo is not the only danger in the park.
In July 2018, KNP field ranger Respect Mathebule, 34, was shot by poachers while on patrol in the Crocodile Bridge section. He eventually succumbed to his wounds.