The utter tragedy that is rhino poaching hit hardest within South Africa’s wildlife conservation community over the weekend. A top Kwa-Zulu Natal game ranger was killed accidentally by colleagues during an anti-poaching operative on Saturday. The incident, which took place at the Umfolozi Game Reserve in Zululand, has been described as the most devastating event in the history of conservation.

Zephaniah Myeni and three other rangers from his anti-poaching unit had been dispatched to track suspected rhino poachers, and divided into two groups when they heard shots in the distance.

According to spokesperson Maureen Zimu, the two-man teams subsequently intercepted each other. On hearing nearby human activity, confusion in the evening darkness reigned, and shooting broke out between the two teams.

“Convinced that they were being attacked, the groups continued shooting at each other and Myeni was killed,” says Zimu, who describes Zephaniah as a “highly respected and influential front man on combating poaching on the ground”.

The recipient of numerous accolades and bravery awards, Myeni took part in multiple security operations, which have led to the arrest of rhino poaching suspects in the past.

[Source: Times Live]