News

South African National Parks (SANParks) today has welcomed the appearance of family members of former Kruger National Park (KNP) Rangers who were fired this year after being found guilty in an internal disciplinary hearing. Rangers were arrested for sharing information with criminals and receiving cash gratification afterwards which led to the involvement of their family members in laundering the ill-gotten proceeds.

The dismissed rangers, Chikwa David Maluleke and Solly Ubisi are awaiting trial after being granted bail. Nine of their family members were arrested on Friday, 02 December 2022 by the Hawks and appeared in court yesterday, 06 December 2022.

The suspects related to Maluleke – Joyce Maluleke, Stephinah Mbombi, Otters Maluleke, Miyelani Maluleke and Nkhensani Maluleke were all released on bail of R5000.00 each and will appear before the court on 23 January 2023.

The suspects related to Ubisi – Thandi Makhuvele, Alsinah Mkhonto, Ignatia Mnisi and Given Mzimba were remanded in custody and will appear again on 8 December 2022 for a formal bail hearing.

The Managing Executive of the KNP Dr Danny Govender praised the work done by the law enforcement agencies and hopes this will send a strong message to family members and friends of criminals “that money acquired through illegal means, leaves a very strong trail, and that we have the capability in this country to follow that trail and bring these criminals to justice. We are glad that those suspected to be complicit in the money laundering and fraud activities will now realise that crime does not pay and that the hand of the law is very long. We will be keenly following both trials as an interested and affected party,” concluded Govender.

Issued By

South African National Parks: Kruger National Park

Media enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
Communications and Marketing, KNP
Telephone: 013 735 4363, cell 083 673 6974 or email: [email protected]