Rangers held for working with poachers

KRUGER National Park field rangers Daniel Chikwa Maluleke, 60, and Solly Ubisi, 56, were remanded in custody by the Skukuza Magistrate’s Court when they appeared this week, charged with corruption, money laundering and fraud linked to wildlife trafficking.

Hawks’ provincial spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, said the two were arrested on Saturday at Skukuza.

“The suspects were arrested by the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation team assisted by the Skukuza stock theft and endangered species unit during Operation Blood Orange,” Sekgotodi said. “This follows an investigation which included their financial affairs. It is alleged the suspects provided tactical information to rhino poaching syndicates in exchange for large sums of money.” |