ACORNHOEK – The intention to poach was rebuked with a 21-and-a-half-year prison sentence in the Mhala Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The magistrate, Mr George Risimati, who vowed to protect our vulnerable rhinos after the majority of poaching cases were transferred from the White River to the Mhala Magistrate’s Court, has delivered on that promise.
In May, Risimati sent Arthur Mashele (36) and Enock Mdlovu (21) to jail, because they wanted to poach rhino. That sentence was applauded countrywide. When Samuel Ngulele (25) appeared before Risimati on Thursday, the same fate awaited him.
Senior state advocate, Ms Ansie Venter charged Ngulele with trespassing, possessing a firearm and ammunition without a licence and the possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime.
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According to Venter, Ngulele was arrested in the vicinity of Satara on October 21, 2015 with a .375 rifle and 10 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
Venter said Satara used to be renowned for its large rhino population. “Today poachers have almost depleted it,” she said.
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When sentencing Ngulele, Risimati fulfilled the promise he made in May. He had stated, “Nature cannot protect itself. I am one of the people tasked to do so.” Ngulele was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for trespassing, 10 years for the illegal possession of a firearm, six months for the illegal possession of ammunition and 10 years for possessing a firearm with the intention to commit a crime. Another man, Sipho Ngoveni, was arrested with Ngulele. He was found guilty of trespassing and sentenced to one year in prison.
