FAMILY SHATTERED AS RHINO GORES RANGER TO DEATH

MBABANE – Big Game Parks has suffered yet another blow as a game ranger has been gored and killed by a rhino he was guarding at Mkhaya Game Reserve.

This comes hardly a year after this publication reported that on April 30, 2024, a field guide named Nkosingiphile Ndwandwe of Bulandzeni was killed by a lioness at Hlane Royal National Park, while another guide, Maxwell Dlamini, was injured and rushed to the hospital.

The two field guides were clearing trails and cutting down shrubs in the lion and elephant section when they were attacked by the lioness.

This past Saturday evening, Sergeant Siyabonga Magongo (44), succumbed to injuries after being gored by a white rhino while he was on duty.

His demise was confirmed by his father, Jericho Magongo of Tikhuba under Matsanjeni North Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region.

When contacted about the ordeal, Jericho was at a loss for words, save to confirm his son’s death and referred all questions to his other son.

However, the latter also declined to entertain any questions from this publication, stating that the family was still shattered by the death of Siyabonga.

“All we were told by his employers is that he was attacked by a rhino but we were not there and we do not have any information except what we were told,” he said.

Statement

The Kingdom of Eswatini’s Big Game Parks (BGP) announced, through a statement shared with the media, the tragic news that the senior game ranger, Sergeant Siyabonga Magongo, based at Mkhaya Game Reserve, was gored and killed by a rhino on Saturday evening while on foot.

They stated that attempts were underway to locate and positively identify the rhino.

“Magongo’s untimely death is a massive blow in every respect to those who have worked and lived with him for the cause of Eswatini’s nature conservation over the past 22 years,” reads the statement.  Magongo was described as a courageous man, a determined team trainer and a humble leader, who displayed exceptional commitment and excelled at everything he did.

He was also described as someone hugely respected by his colleagues and trainers within and beyond the game parks.

Enforcement

“A national loss; he will be sorely missed by his teams and collaborating law enforcement agencies, especially in the BGPs conservation mission moving forward.

“We are deeply grateful to the Magongo family for the privilege of having shared his time so generously with us. BGP’s deepest thoughts are with his family and colleagues at this very difficult time. We salute you Nkhosi, Magongo. Few men will ever be made of your metal,” reads the statement.

The killing of a ranger while on duty is not unique to Eswatini as in 2018; a Kenya Wildlife Service Ranger was killed by a rhino he was guarding at Lake Nakuru National Park.

At the time, the ranger was said to have been attacked and trampled on by the rhino.

He succumbed to injuries when he was being rushed to a private hospital in Nakuru.

The park’s Senior Warden Catherine Wambani confirmed the incident saying it was unfortunate.

Meanwhile, just less than a week ago, this publication reported that as poachers have been known to trespass, kill and steal game meat; now they are illegally harvesting endangered trees.

Last Monday, a man in his 30s was shot dead in the head by Mlawula Nature Reserve Game rangers, for cutting a Pod Mahogany tree (Umkolikoli) and trespassing at the nature reserve.

According to sources, the deceased was part of three trespassers who were within the game reserve.

It was said when game rangers approached them and sought to effect a lawful arrest, the deceased tried to flee.

In an effort to apprehend the suspect, game rangers were said to have fired warning shots, which were followed by a number of shots with one being fatal.

Eswatini National Trust Commission’s (ENTC) Business Development and Marketing Manager Mzwandile Ntshangase confirmed the incident.

Policies

He said the matter is currently being handled by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and they could only speak to their policies.

Ntshangase said they will continue to educate the public, through their various communication platforms, on the importance of conserving the natural heritage as a country.

The shooting incident was also confirmed by Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni.

Meanwhile, trespassing has been a challenge for private and national nature reserves while posing a threat to game park tourism; which is one of three draw cards into the country as the other two are culture and scenery.

The threat to game is set to have ripple effects that shall surpass the investors as government will be deprived of tax and emaSwati recruited in this sector coerced to join the over 35 per cent of unemployed people, as per the Labour Survey Report of 2023.

Also, based on previous statistics issued by the Eswatini Game Rangers Association (EGRA) depict that game farmers are robbed of a minimum of five animals per day.

On the other hand, game rangers are attacked and in some instances killed for engaging on their duties in protected property.

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