- Timbavati's head of ranger services, Anton Mzimba, was shot dead on Tuesday.
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve hailed Mzimba as a passionate and dedicated ranger.
- Police have yet to confirm the circumstances around the shooting.
Game ranger Anton Mzimba, who fought poaching efforts over the years to keep wildlife safe, was shot and killed this week.
Details around the shooting are sketchy and police have yet to confirm what happened.
The Timbavati Game Private Nature Reserve said Mzimba, 42, their "wildlife warrior", died on Tuesday.
Timbavati said it was cooperating with authorities, but "the reserve needs to remain confidential about the details at this stage".
Mzimba was the head of ranger services at Timbavati, where he had worked for 25 years.
How safe is your neighbourhood? Find out by using News24's CrimeCheck
Timbavati said Mzimba had dedicated his life to "the protection of a species which has no voice of its own, and uplifting and inspiring the people who he knew needed his support".
Mzimba's conservation career began in 1997 as an erosion fieldworker.
In 1998, after passing his basic field ranger training, he became one of the youngest field rangers at Timbavati.
Sad news. Anton Mzimba, head ranger at Timbavati Game Reserve was shot & killed in an apparent hit at his home last night. This follows recent threats. He was an inspiration. Listen to an interview he did earlier this year: https://t.co/XJPcHG1o8S #assassinationwitness
— Julian Rademeyer (@julianrademeyer) July 27, 2022
In 2003, he was promoted to the position of full corporal instructor, in which he was tasked with the management of the training programme.
Timbavati said Mzimba's passion and leadership skills propelled him to the position of head game ranger at the 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."
Timbavati said Mzimba not only excelled at his job, but that he also encouraged young people to pursue careers in conservation and to respect wildlife.
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. W
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2022
"Anton's enduring belief, something he shared with everyone he met, was that a field ranger should be seen as a hero, someone to aspire to become.
"Anton lived his beliefs, never wavered from his convictions, and, above all, remained a brave and honest man," said Timbavati.