Francis Kipampa was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Middelburg Regional Court in Mpumalanga on January 15, 2025. Eight years of the sentence are suspended for five years, contingent on Kipampa not committing similar crimes during the suspension period.

Syndicate Involvement and Charges

Kipampa was arrested in June 2023 alongside 15 other individuals charged with money laundering and poaching. The group is alleged to have been part of a syndicate targeting rhinos in the Kruger National Park. They reportedly paid field rangers and their families for insider information to facilitate their illegal activities.

While Kipampa remained in custody awaiting trial since February 2023, his co-accused were released on bail. Kipampa pleaded guilty to all charges, leading to his conviction.

Hawks’ Commitment

Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, confirmed Kipampa’s role in the syndicate and outlined the ongoing legal process for his co-accused, who are scheduled to appear in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court on January 20, 2025.

Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to combating poaching and financial crimes linked to it. “The annihilation of the rhino population for self-enrichment will not be tolerated. The Hawks will relentlessly pursue offenders and the proceeds of illegal activities,” Gerber emphasized.

A Broader Effort

The conviction underscores the commitment of law enforcement to protect South Africa’s wildlife heritage. The Hawks’ efforts to dismantle syndicates and hold perpetrators accountable remain a vital part of this mission.