Skukuza Court sentences poachers to 105 years behind bars
The sentences were handed down at the Skukuza Regional Court on September 2
Three rhino poachers have been sentenced to a whopping 105 years in prison for rhino poaching and other offences by the Skukuza Regional Court prosecuting team.
The sentences were handed down on September 2. The trio was arrested in 2017 after killing three rhinos in Marula (southern) section of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The SANParks spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, said two of the convicted poachers, Shangani Mathebula and Emmanuel Mdhluli, are from Mozambique while the other accused, Walter Hendrik Mangane, is a South African.
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Phaahla said while the sentences were being handed down, the magistrate explained in detail the manner in which the poachers had killed the rhinos execution style and were caught red-handed while in the process of plundering the animals.
The managing executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman, congratulated the environmental crime investigative unit and ranger services for working closely with the investigating officer and the other SAPS service units to bring solid evidence before the court.
He commended the prosecuting team for a stellar job in arguing for a stiff sentence and thanked the rangers, air services and K9 units for their swift reaction in apprehending the accused and ensuring that justice is served.
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“These sentences should serve as a deterrent to those intending to come and kill our natural heritage and destroy the livelihoods of our people.
“We have in the past few months intensified our security efforts in the park to good effect, but successful convictions require that the prosecutorial and justice pillars in our society operate effectively.
“These sentences will motivate the teams who work tirelessly day and night to protect our fauna and flora,” said Coleman.
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Mangane was found guilty and will serve 45 years in prison. Mathebula was convicted and will spend 30 years behind bars. Mdluli will also serve an effective 30-year sentence after being found guilty and sentenced.
He is currently serving a 16-year sentence related to rhino poaching which was handed down in April and will run concurrently with yesterday’s sentence.
