Meet the Ranger Who’s Battling More Than Just Poachers
He’s not just fighting poachers. He’s exposing the political corruption that protects them.
Zandré Lambrechts/Heike Claudia Petzer
May 15, 2025 - 8:19 AM
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Zandre Lambrechts doesn’t just track poachers — he tracks the rot in the system. After years spent patrolling South Africa’s conservation zones, he’s witnessed not only the brutality of rhino killings but also the political neglect and corruption that enable them.
In this bare-it-all interview with V24, Lambrechts reveals how rhino poaching isn’t just a matter of poverty or greed, it’s a symptom of a deeper breakdown in governance, international accountability, and public trust. From local officials tipping off syndicates to Asian demand networks shielded by a weak foreign policy, he lays bare the systemic failure that’s pushing South Africa’s wildlife —and its rangers —to the brink.
1. Do you believe rhino poaching in South Africa is driven more by poverty or by political corruption?
In some cases, those driven by poverty, known as subsistence poachers, do take a toll on the local wildlife. Still, the primary organized threat comes from syndicates that may or may not benefit from political corruption. It’s a case-by-case matter, but corruption is undoubtedly present. I’d say rhino poaching, as all poaching, is primarily driven by a lack of care or understanding of the severity of the implications of losing or damaging our tourism industry due to poaching.
2. How deep do you think government involvement or complicity goes in enabling or protecting poaching syndicates?
Some government officials may indeed abuse the powers entrusted to them for personal gain at the expense of wildlife. This can range from tipping off syndicates ahead of raids to actively facilitating the smuggling of rhino horns out of the country. The issue isn’t limited to a few “bad apples”; it reflects a system riddled with vulnerabilities and lacking sufficient accountability. These weaknesses create opportunities for corruption to take root and persist.
3. Is the South African government failing to protect its wildlife, or is it deliberately looking the other way to profit politically or financially?
While specific corrupt individuals may personally benefit from poaching, the South African government strongly opposes poaching and has invested significant effort and resources in fighting poaching, but just not enough. Poaching has a profoundly negative impact on the country, particularly by damaging the tourism sector. Tourists come to South Africa to see our iconic wildlife—fewer animals mean fewer visitors, which leads to job losses and stunted economic growth. Rather than profiting from poaching, the nation ultimately suffers both financially and socially.
4. There is a perception that conservation areas are prioritized over local communities. Do you think this fuels resentment that makes poaching easier to justify?
Yes, absolutely. When communities living near conservation areas feel excluded from the benefits, such as employment, education, or access to land, it can foster resentment. This sense of abandonment can make it easier to justify or tolerate poaching, and in some cases, even lead to active support for it. Conservation efforts must engage local communities as partners, rather than merely as bystanders or potential threats. Tourism plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and supporting over a million jobs. When managed correctly, the wealth generated by this sector can directly uplift surrounding communities. The real challenge lies in ensuring that conservation and economic development work in tandem to address poverty in a lasting and meaningful way.
5. How much of the poaching crisis do you think is linked to ANC-era governance failures, like land mismanagement, corruption, or lack of border control?
Quite a lot. Decades of mismanagement have eroded the strength of key institutions. Corruption, underfunding of rangers and police, and porous borders have all contributed to the rise of poaching syndicates, and not to forget our lack of legal consequences for these poachers. These are governance failures, not just conservation issues.
6. Can you explain the role of international networks, especially in Asia, and whether the South African government has done enough to disrupt those routes?
The demand in Asia, particularly for traditional medicine and status symbols, is what makes rhino horn so lucrative. These networks are highly organized, facilitating the movement of contraband through complex routes. South Africa has been slow to disrupt these links, partly due to weak international coordination and perhaps a lack of motivation at home. I believe this isn’t due to malice, but rather a lack of understanding of the severity of the situation and the importance of our wildlife for the future of our nation.
7. Some claim anti-poaching is just a front for militarized control over land. Is there truth in that, or is it a necessary response to organized crime?
While some anti-poaching efforts may be overly militarized, the threat is real. Syndicates are heavily armed and operate like paramilitary units. In many cases, a strong response is necessary to protect both animals and rangers. However, anti-poaching efforts must be balanced with transparency and community trust to avoid fueling suspicion. Private security in South Africa is hazardous, and rangers would benefit from being able to do their noble work without being accused of being mercenaries.
8. Are wealthy private game reserve owners more effective at stopping poaching than the government? And if so, why?
In some cases, yes—wealthy private game reserve owners can be more effective at stopping poaching. They often have greater resources, access to better intelligence, and the ability to make decisions quickly without the delays associated with bureaucracy. However, this is not a sustainable long-term solution. Conservation cannot depend solely on private funding; the government must take greater responsibility and strengthen its role. Wildlife is a national asset, not a private one. From our currency to our sports teams, animals are deeply woven into South Africa’s identity—they are symbols of our heritage and pride, and protecting them should be a collective national priority.
9. Do you believe racial or historical narratives are being used to protect poachers politically or distract from the real issue of crime syndicates?
Some may distort the issue of poaching through political motives. Still, the real problem is protecting our wildlife for future generations and preventing transnational organized crime, a contentious issue that affects the world at large.
10. What changes would you propose, politically or legally, to break the chain from poacher to foreign buyer?
There have been discussions about anti-corruption enforcement and more substantial penalties for those involved in tracking. Still, from my perspective as a ranger, the most crucial step is investing in the people on the front lines. Rangers are often underpaid, overworked, and under-supported, yet they’re expected to take on highly organized, armed syndicates.
We need stronger legal protections for rangers, better equipment, real-time intelligence support, and mental health resources. Politically, the government must continuously recognize rangers and take action to support them. Legally, there should be mandatory minimum sentences for attacks on rangers, as well as anti-corruption reforms to prevent insider leaks that compromise their work.
If we don’t protect and empower the rangers, the entire anti-poaching system breaks down. They're the backbone of any serious response — and right now, they're carrying the burden without enough backup.
After The Interview
Zandre Lambrechts makes it clear: rhino poaching is not just a conservation crisis, it’s a national failure with global consequences. It exposes the cracks in South Africa’s political infrastructure, the complacency of international diplomacy, and the human cost of corruption. Lambrechts isn’t simply sounding the alarm about wildlife loss; he’s calling for a fundamental shift in how we value our natural heritage and those who defend it.
Protecting rhinos means more than saving a species - it means confronting the criminal networks, systemic corruption, and governance failures that threaten the future of South Africa itself. Until rangers are treated as essential defenders of national security, and local communities are empowered as stewards of the land, the poachers will keep winning, and we will all lose.
