Former Kruger Rangers’ Relatives Arrested for Involvement in Money Laundering

Nine family members of two dismissed Kruger National Park rangers were arrested on Friday (2 December) and appeared in court yesterday (Tues 6 December).

The dismissed rangers, Chikwa David Maluleke and Solly Ubisi, are awaiting trial after being granted bail. They were fired earlier this year after being found guilty in an internal disciplinary hearing. The rangers were arrested for sharing information with criminals and receiving cash gratification afterwards. This is what led to the involvement of their relatives in laundering the ill-gotten proceeds.

South African National Parks (SANParks) today welcomed the appearance in court of the family members.

The suspects related to Maluleke – Joyce Maluleke, Stephinah Mbombi, Otters Maluleke, Miyelani Maluleke and Nkhensani Maluleke – were all released on bail of R5,000 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 Kruger, Dr Danny Govender, praised the work done by the law enforcement agencies and said he 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.”