BUSHBUCKRIDGE – The magistrate, Mr George Risimati, who now presides over rhino-poaching cases in terms of Mpumalanga’s judicial demarcations, has made national news with a knockout anti-poaching sentence on Friday. He sentenced two men to 21 years and six months’ imprisonment for wanting to poach.
Arthur Mashele (36) and Enock Mdlovu (21) were arrested in the Crocodile Bridge section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) on February 18.
According to Skukuza SAPS spokesman Mr Bossie Boshoff, Crocodile Bridge section ranger Mr Neels van Wyk and his team tracked the trespassers since 09:45 that morning and apprehended them with the assistance of tracking dogs later that day.
They had a .375 hunting rifle and seven rounds of ammunition. The two were charged with trespassing in the Kruger, the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and the possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a crime.
After finding them guilty on all accounts, Risimati sentenced them to six months, 10 years, one year and another 10 years, respectively. The sentences will be served concurrently.
“Nature cannot protect itself. I am one of the people tasked to do so,” said Risimati. The Skukuza SAPS detective branch, which investigated the case, were very pleased with the sentence.
Specialist state advocate, Ms Ansie Venter also expressed her satisfaction with Risimati’s decision.
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