Kruger National Park poacher sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment
The accused was in a possession of a fresh rhino horn, and despite pleading not guilty the evidence was sufficient enough to convict him.
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced Terrence Patrick Makhubela to 20 years of direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences.
Makhubela was sentenced on March 8 after he was convicted of trespassing in the park, killing a rhino, possession of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of ammunition.
According to the spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, on December 3, 2023, rangers of the Pretoriuskop section in Kruger National Park detected the movement of poachers and went to investigate. They caught Makhubela. Three other suspects managed to escape.
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“The rangers searched Makhubela and found six live rounds of ammunition in his possession.
They searched the immediate area and found a rifle, a bag with fresh rhino horn and an axe. They also discovered a fresh rhino carcase. He was arrested, granted bail and absconded. He was re-arrested after a warrant of arrest was issued,” she said.
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Nyuswa also said that Makhubela pleaded not guilty, but the state prosecutor, Lot Mgiba, led evidence of the rangers. DNA evidence confirmed that the rhino horn found on the crime scene belonged to the fresh rhino carcase. This was supported by the evidence of the ballistic report which showed that the bullet that was found in the carcass was fired from the rifle that was in his possession.
The court found him guilty as charged and was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment.
The court further declared Makhubela unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
