The trial of Rodney Landela, a former Kruger National Park (KNP) regional ranger, and his co-accused, Kenneth Motshotsho, continues in the Skukuza Regional Court. The two appeared in court on February 20, where forensic investigator Cindy Harper testified.

Harper revealed that blood found on two pairs of shoes and an axe in Landela’s car matched the DNA of two rhino horns discovered in Motshotsho’s vehicle at the time of their arrest on July 27, 2016. However, she noted that some evidence bags were not properly sealed. “The plastic bag containing the knife and axe was partially unsealed, and the boots, sandals, and jacket were packed in different plastic bags but later placed together in one large, unsealed bag,” she testified.

Advocate Mswazi Makhubela, representing Landela and Motshotsho, argued that the mishandling of evidence could have led to contamination, questioning the reliability of the forensic results and demanding their exclusion.

The State is expected to call more witnesses as the trial progresses.

KNP spokesperson Isaac Phaahla acknowledged the park’s ongoing battle with poaching, revealing that over 40 staff members have been arrested and convicted, while others await trial for their alleged involvement in rhino poaching.

Landela, a long-serving KNP employee with 15 years of experience, had received multiple achievement awards and was highly regarded by the Game Rangers Association, where he served as an executive member. He began his career as a general worker before rising through the ranks.

His arrest followed an anti-poaching patrol in the Satara area on July 27, 2016, when rangers heard three gunshots near Kingfisherspruit around 13:00. Rushing to investigate, they spotted two men—one in a green ranger uniform and another in khaki clothing—fleeing toward a parked bakkie before speeding off. Moments later, rangers discovered the carcass of a freshly poached white rhino.

A pursuit ensued, with SANParks deploying a helicopter and additional rangers to intercept the suspects. The bakkie was eventually stopped at Satara. Landela allegedly instructed Motshotsho to flee while he remained behind. Motshotsho initially drove away, discarding key evidence before returning. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered blood-stained shoes, a high-caliber hunting rifle, and two rhino horns allegedly discarded by Motshotsho in the veld.

The case highlights the ongoing crisis of internal corruption within the park as authorities work to combat rhino poaching.