Prince William 'deeply saddened' by murder of 'committed and brave' park ranger as he calls for justice

Prince William was 'deeply saddened' as he took to Twitter to share his condolences with the family of a South African wildlife ranger who was murdered. 

• Prince William has shared his sadness in an emotional message on social media.
• The Duke of Cambridge paused his family's summer holiday once again to share this sad message. 
• In other royal news, Princess Anne delights fans in jazzy striped shirt with on-trend upturned collar at latest royal outing.

Prince William is currently on a family summer holiday at Balmoral Castle with his wife Catherine and his three children. The Duke of Cambridge paused his family retreat in order to share his sadness as it was reported that a wildlife ranger he met last year had been murdered by a gang.

"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," said Prince William on Twitter. 

Prince William met the Head Ranger last November via video link at Microsoft Headquarters in Reading. The Duke learned about how AI technology can be used to combat illegally poached wildlife products being trafficked through airport customs.

Hundreds of animals are poached in South Africa every year, wildlife rangers like Anton Mzimba help to protect these animals but are hated by the poachers who wish to profit from the animals they protect.  

Helping Rhinos revealed that Anton was killed outside of his home on Tuesday night, and was one of the many rangers who was facing threats from poaching gangs looking to kill the rhinos they protect.  

"Head of Ranger at Timbavati, Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night. This follows recent death threats and highlights the daily threat facing Rangers. Our deepest condolences to Anton’s loved ones and co-workers at this difficult time," said Helping Rhinos.

Although Prince William's message has helped to highlight this issue, it is still a major problem for conservationists in South Africa. Prince William's work with the Earthshot Prize, and the Royal Foundation are just some of the ways that the Duke is helping to provide funding to conservation in Africa and across the world.