Cape Town – The wildlife conservation industry is mourning the death of game ranger, Anton Mzimba, who was reportedly shot and killed at his home on Tuesday this week.
Mzimba was hailed as a “wildlife warrior” due to his passion and dedication to protecting “a species which has no voice of its own, and uplifting and inspiring the people who he knew needed his support”.
He was the head of the ranger services at the Timbavati Game Private Nature Reserve.
Although details around his shooting remained sketchy, Mzimba had been receiving death threats, reports said.
According to News24, his conservation career began in 1997 as an erosion fieldworker.
Head of Ranger at Timbavati, Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night. This follows recent death threats and highlights the daily threat facing Rangers.
Our deepest condolences to Anton’s loved ones and co-workers at this difficult time pic.twitter.com/fRayloiFjB— Helping Rhinos ? (@HelpingRhinos) July 27, 2022
The report said his passion and leadership skills enabled him to move in various positions within the game reserve.
“The impact that this one man has had, not only within the wildlife space, but also touching the lives of, and inspiring young children, has been simply enormous,” the report quoted the game reserve as saying.
Daily Mail reported that Mzimba’s excellence at his job touched and encouraged so many people, including Prince William, who met him in November last year.
Mzimba told Prince William at the time about criminal gangs targeting wildlife.
“This is a very well-organised crime. It involves local people. But, down the line, it goes across the border of the country,” the report quoted Mzimba as saying.
The report said that illegal wildlife trade was among the most lucrative global crimes and was often run by highly organised criminal networks.
The Duke took to his Twitter to offer his condolences to the Mzimba family.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Anton Mzimba who I spoke 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.” he wrote.
Head of Ranger at Timbavati, Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night. This follows recent death threats and highlights the daily threat facing Rangers.
Our deepest condolences to Anton’s loved ones and co-workers at this difficult time pic.twitter.com/fRayloiFjB— Helping Rhinos ? (@HelpingRhinos) July 27, 2022
As soon as news of his death came out, many from the wildlife conservation fraternity flooded social media with messages of condolences and shock.
Here are some reactions
Rest easy Anton Mzimba. Head Timbavati Ranger and Rhino champion was murdered outside of his home last night. After recent death threats. The danger to the men & women that protect these places and it’s wildlife is real.Praying for his family,coworkers and friends. #Timbavati pic.twitter.com/VR9nx7utrp
— Ian MacGregor (@macgregor63) July 27, 2022
I’m full of tears and heartbreak today. My good friend Anton Mzimba—center of photo—was murdered by hitmen at his home last night. Anton was one of the most loving and caring people I’ve ever met. Now, when I look at his image, tears stream down. Rest In Peace, friend. ?? pic.twitter.com/3RYKtKVMS9
— John Jurko II (@JohnJurko) July 27, 2022
Sad, and angry, to hear about the assassination of Timbavati’s APU manager Anton Mzimba. Anton brought honor to @The_GRAA and was recognised as “best field ranger” at the 2016 rhino conservation awards. Justice will be done. pic.twitter.com/aZE4vnnfyH
— Catherine E. Semcer (@CatherineSemcer) July 27, 2022
Anton Mzimba was a hero of mine and one of the best people to ever walk this earth. I’m blessed to have known him and shattered by his death. I will honor his legacy by continuing to fight for what he believed in. We love you Anton ??? @corps_global #savetherhinos #rip https://t.co/0I9804WUot pic.twitter.com/ys5fsFEs76
— evenstar7479 (@evenstar7479) July 27, 2022
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Picture: Twitter/ @macgregor63
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
