NATIONAL NEWS - Anton Mzimba (49), who was head of Ranger Services at Timbavati, was gunned down at his house on Tuesday night by three men pretending to have car trouble and asking for water.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, says a child at Mzimba’s home assisted the three men when they asked for water because their vehicle had broken down.
They suddenly approached Mzimba, who was busy in his car at the time, and shot him several times. His wife, who witnessed the shooting, started screaming where after she was shot in the stomach.
The suspects fled the scene in a white VW Polo without taking anything from the house.
Condolences from as far as the British royal family
Even Prince William added his voice to condolences that have been coming in from far and wide as the conservation world mourns the loss of one its biggest ranger heroes.
Timbavati shared the following as a tribute to Mzimba:
“Anton, you have left a legacy – one which we will, in your honour, hold up high and never forget.
“We mourn the loss of Mr Anton Mzimba, head of Ranger Services, who dedicated 25 years of his life to the Timbavati. The Timbavati, as well as our Greater Kruger landscape, has not only lost a great man, but we have lost a special family member, a rhino warrior, a wildlife guardian, a loved one, a comrade, a friend and a true legend.
“Let us honour his memory with a tribute to his life.
“We share our condolences to all those who have had the pleasure of walking alongside Anton. Those who have followed his journey, his footsteps, his passions.
“We thank Anton for giving of his life and love to the wildlife and people of the Timbavati. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.
“We ask that people remain cognisant of the family’s privacy during this time of loss and mourning. We also remind the public and media that, while the Timbavati is cooperating with the authorities in the investigations that are underway, the reserve needs to remain confidential about the details of these at this stage.”
Prince William says he is deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Mzimba, whom he had spoken to in November.
“Committed and brave rangers like Anton are central to the conservation of Africa’s fantastic wildlife. Those responsible must swiftly be brought to justice. My thoughts are with his family.”
