MBOMBELA – The verdict and sentencing in a rhino poaching case made history today when the accused was found guilty of the murder of his accomplice, and also sentenced to 77 years imprisonment.
Mandla Chauke (39) was charged under the common purpose doctrine, which implicates that he should have foreseen the possibility that his mate – Samson Msimango – could have been killed.
The state succeeded and Chauke was found guilty of murder, rhino poaching and various other charges. He was sentenced to 77 years imprisonment and has to effectively serve 47 years of this sentence.
The men entered the Kruger National Park in 2011 and poached three rhinos.
State prosecutor Adv Isabet Erwee and the investigating officer, WO Willie Broodryk, were ecstatic about the verdict.
Read more in Friday’s print edition of Lowvelder.
