Two poachers sentenced to 18 years for killing KNP rhino
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence imposed to two rhino poachers.
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced two Mozambican Nationals, July Sihlangu (33) and Sergio Mathebula (32) to an effective 18 years direct imprisonment for poaching related offences.
According to a press release by the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, Sihlangu and Mathebula were convicted of trespassing, the Contravention of Immigration Act, possession of a firearm with a serial number obliterated, possession of ammunition, killing of a rhino and possession of an axe.
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On September 21, 2022, rangers of the Kruger National Park were doing their routine when they spotted Sihlangu and Mathebula around Malelane Section. They apprehended them and found them in possession of a hunting rifle with a serial number obliterated, two live ammunitions, an axe and two fresh rhino horns. The rangers went back to the place where they spotted the accused and found a carcase and subsequently arrested them.
In court the state led evidence of a ballistic report confirming that the firearm that was found in their possession was a 375 rifle that was used to kill the rhino. The court found the pair guilty as charged.
