JUSTICE FOR ANTON MZIMBA
Anton's Story
Anton Mzimba was the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and the lead ranger in our documentary, RHINO MAN.
On July 26th, 2022, Anton was assassinated at his home in front of his family because of his work in combating rhino poaching. After more than 2 years, there have yet to be any arrests. This page is dedicated to honoring his legacy and to helping bring more awareness and resources to his murder investigation. (See Fundraiser Below)
Media Kit Download
We have created a Media Kit, which is more of a book, designed to gain the attention of those who can elevate the priority of Anton's case. It gives a sense of who this incredible human and ranger was, his accomplishments, his influence on conservation, and why his case is so important to conservation efforts in South Africa and beyond. It includes 100k+ signed petitions. Please download, read, and share this hyperlinked digital media kit.
Support a Reward and the Investigation
The right team is on the job to bring justice in Anton's case, but because of heavy case loads and a lack of resources they need our support. Director John Jurko II has created a fundraiser on Given Gain to do just that.
The Reward
We are aiming to raise R55 000 to R100 000 ($3k to $5k USD) for a reward leading to a conviction in Anton's murder case. These funds will be put through the proper police channels to incentivize people who know more to come forward.
The Investigation
Additionally, we are raising funds to support Focused Conservation, a US nonprofit, who is working directly with the investigation on the ground in South Africa to gather evidence and build a case against these criminals. To aid them and their partners our aim is to raise R550 000 ($30k USD).
In total our goal is R650 000 ($35k USD). John is certain that with this support we could soon see these criminals brought to justice. Note: The current exchange rate is hovering around 1 USD to 18 ZAR.
Petition for Justice
Shortly after Anton's murder in July of 2022, the Care2 Team created an online petition. To date, it has been signed by more than 100,000 individuals from around the world in an effort to bring a united voice in the call for justice.
218 Countries Signed
Close to 1,500 South Africans, nearly 50,000 Americans, and close to 20,000 British have signed this petition for justice, along with thousands of people from another 215 countries. Please consider joining them in this call for action and sign the petition today.
JUSTICE FOR ANTON MZIMBA
What We Have Already Acheived
Partnering for Justice
We have connected with both the lead investigative team at the South African Hawks as well as the team at Focused Conservation. The right people are on the job and Focused Conservation aims to bring additional support that will aid in building the case against Anton's killers.
The Hawks, officially known as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), are a specialized unit within the South African Police Service (SAPS) established in 2008 to combat serious crimes such as organized crime, economic crime, and corruption.
Focused Conservation is a US based nonprofit, whose mission is to dismantle Illicit Wildlife Trafficking (IWT) by supporting in-country and internationally mandated law enforcement (LE) agencies with investigating, arresting and prosecuting wildlife traffickers.
Most recently, Focused Conservation was integral in providing intelligence support in connection with the arrest of kingpin Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalunga on October 15, 2024. Read here.
This campaign and team have the blessing of both the Anton's family and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Everyone wants to see Justice for Anton.
Cape Town Launch
The team kicked off the campaign for Justice with a week of events in Cape Town, South Africa.
On Nov. 5th and 6th they attended the United for Wildlife Global Summit, where Prince William once again mentioned Anton Mzimba's name in his opening speech. The Prince of Wales has been calling for justice in Anton's murder since right after it happened. He had met Anton over a virtual call in Nov. of 2021, where he had the chance to connect with him and learn of his work on the frontlines on conservation.
This recent mention of Anton's name in connection with a new ranger life insurance program brought to attention once again the need for justice. It was widely covered by media in the UK and South Africa. You can read more about it here.
The team also hosted a Cape Town Premiere of their film, RHINO MAN, on Nov. 7th, which features Anton. Those in attendance included landowners from the Timbavati, law enforcement, Focused Conservation, and rangers. Co-Chair of United for Wildlife, David Fein, moderated a Q&A with the team.
In his closing remarks, Director John Jurko II publicly announced the campaign, Justice for Anton Mzimba.
Elevating Case Priority
In the early stages of building the campaign, John raised funds to create a media kit showcasing the life and legacy of Anton Mzimba and the need for justice.
Four massive binders, which included printouts of over 100,000 signed petitions, were delivered to officials who could influence the priority level of Anton's case, which could bring more resources to the investigative team.
These binders were received by Minister of Environment, Dion George, Minster of Police, Senzo Mchunu, Head of the Hawks, Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya, and Executive Mayor of Bushbuckridge, Matlanatso Lydia Moroane.
Additional printed Justice for Anton Mzimba media kits were delivered to Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, MPs Andrew Whitfield and Andrew de Blocq, and Chief Director of Enforcement (DFFE), Frances Craigie.
Digital versions of the media kit are to be widely distributed to officials, local and international press, and through downloads from this website. Please read and share with anyone who could bring support to the investigation. With enough attention Anton's case can be elevated to Top Priority.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
(Download the Media Kit, Donate to Support the Investigation, and Sign the Petition)
Featured News
- | The People's Eye | Anton Mzimba died protecting the endangered rhino species
- | 2024 Nov 28 | News24 | Global fundraising campaign seeks justice for wildlife ranger
- | 2024 Nov 28 | myLowveld.net | Global campaign seeks justice for murdered ranger
- | Cape Talk | Justice for Anton Mzimba – the quest to find and convict ranger’s killers
- | 2024 Nov 5 | BBC | William takes on illegal wildlife trade in Cape Town speech