SKUKUZA – The bail application of two SANParks employees accused of having poached a rhino near Paul Kruger Gate in the Kruger National Park (KNP) about two weeks ago, has been postponed to next week.
Mr Tshepo Marin Mashale (27) and Mr Exelence Blues Shabangu (26) were remanded in custody until April 21. They briefly appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Skukuza on Wednesday for their bail application which was postponed because court proceedings had started late.
Their attorney consulted with them for a long period of time, which left little time for the hearing to proceed. It was then decided to rather have it rolled over until next week.
Mashale was a water-control officer stationed at the gate and is the son of Phalaborwa regional field ranger Mr Derrick Mashale. Shabangu was a field guide.
They were arrested on April 7 after the dehorned carcass of a white rhino was discovered on the S4 dirt road, about 5,5 kilometres from Paul Kruger Gate, the previous day.
