Poaching does not pay
He was charged with 12 counts, including four counts of attempted murder, trespassing in a national park and possession of an illegal firearm.
A poacher was sentenced to 33 years in prison for rhino poaching and related offences in the Skukuza Regional Court on Friday November 9.
Patrick Nkuna was arrested in 2015 in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) during an extended ground and air follow-up anti-poaching operation. Shortly before the arrest of Nkuna and his accomplices, he attempted to shoot at a SANParks helicopter involved in the follow-up operation.
Managing executive of KNP, Glenn Phillips commended the courts for sending a clear message and imposing such a stiff jail term. “This is a huge victory and deterrence in the ongoing anti-poaching campaign. We warmly welcome this ruling, as it will provide a much-needed boost to the anti-poaching teams who endure harsh conditions for the protection of our parks.”
Nkuna was charged with 12 counts, including four counts of attempted murder, trespassing in a national park and possession of an illegal firearm.
On social media platforms, Jamie Joseph of SavingtheWild.com also expressed satisfaction about the sentence.
She lauded the formidable senior state prosecutor Ansie Venter and Magistrate Cloete for the clear message sent to prospective poachers.
During the case SANParks helicopter pilot Bradford Grafton recalled how the accused was finally apprehended after a long chase that began with a sighting of poachers in the Pretoriuskop area. At the time, Grafton was carrying a SANParks delegation on board, which included Gen Johan Jooste, Kruger South regional ranger Don English, CEO Fundisile Mketeni, and a board member.
As the suspects realised they had been seen, one pointed a rifle at the helicopter. A shot rang out and English returned fire, after which the suspect with the rifle turned and ran. The other poachers scattered in different directions.
A cat and mouse chase continued until he was apprehended.
Joseph also condemned Magistrate Ngobeni recently granting bail in the White River Magistrate’s Court to the two alleged kingpins Petros Sydney Mabuza and Joseph Nyalunga and described it as “a devastating blow to anti-poaching efforts, and a reminder that corruption is the biggest thief of all”.
