Prince William 'deeply saddened' by ranger's death, pleads for 'swift justice'

Prince William has sent out a personal message after the death of a wildlife ranger in Africa, pleading for "swift justice".

"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Anton Mzimba who I spoke to in November," the Duke of Cambridge wrote in a tweet.

"Committed and brave, rangers like Anton are central to the conservation of Africa's fantastic wildlife. Those responsible must swiftly be brought to justice.

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"My thoughts are with his family. W"

The head ranger at Timbavati had been the subject of death threats, non-profit organisation Helping Rhinos revealed when confirming news of his passing.

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"Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night," the organisation tweeted on Wednesday.

"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."

Prince William spoke with Mzimba in a conference call on November 18, during a visit to Microsoft headquarters to hear about how technology was being used to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade.

"What has been the effect of the pandemic on poaching, and on funding for you guys?" Prince William asked.

"Was there a spike in poaching?"

Mzimba emphasised poaching has been heavily involved with organised crime during the chat.

The Duke of Cambridge, through the Royal Foundation, founded United for Wildlife in 2014 and is passionate about stopping the trade.

"Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the numbers of elephant, rhino and pangolin who have been illegally slaughtered for their tusks, horns and scales," the Duke, who is also patron of the Royal African Society, said ahead of a visit to Africa in 2018.

"But the illegal wildlife trade also has a devastating human impact. Too many brave rangers are tragically killed each year by poachers.

"Communities see their tourist livelihoods threatened. This is why I am committed to doing what I can to help end this terrible, global crime."