KNP poaching case postponed
The three will appear in the Skukuza Regional Court again on October 31.
SKUKUZA – A former SANParks field guide, a Kruger National Park (KNP) section ranger and a gardener charged with poaching, appeared briefly in the Skukuza Regional Court last Thursday.
André Mabunda, Shakes Baloyi and Laurence Baloyi were arrested in the KNP on September 21, 2014.
They face charges of hunting a protected species in the Kruger, possession of a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit a crime, unlawful possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit a crime, and the attempted theft of rhino horn.
In October 2014, during their bail hearing, it was testified that officials patrolling in a SAPS helicopter spotted a rhino carcass. The animal had been shot. Upon landing they found an axe close to it. The SANParks Special Operations Team was called in. Shakes and
Mabunda were discovered in the bush. A hunting rifle, ammunition and two empty shells were also found in the men’s possession.
Investigations implicated Laurence, who was released on bail shortly after their first appearance. Mabunda was granted bail of R5 000 in November 2015.
The case was postoned and the three will appear in the Skukuza Regional Court again on October 31.
