On Friday, January 24, the Skukuza Regional Court delivered lengthy sentences to two men for rhino poaching related offences, while a third man received only four years.

Sam Khosa (40) and Oddis Maluleke (46), a South African and Mozambican, will spend an effective 22 years behind bars. A second South African, Solly Bennett Selahle (30), was sentenced to four years for conspiracy to commit a crime.

The three were arrested in the Kruger National Park on February 15, 2019, along with a Kruger field ranger, Phillip Gumede (39), who was also arrested as an accomplice. Gumede has since passed away after having fallen ill sick during the trial.

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The four men were travelling in two cars, a VW Polo and a Hyundai, when they were intercepted along the road between Skukuza and the Kruger Gate. The regional ranger, who had reason to suspect foul play, had called for back-up, which led to the discovery of the incriminating items and the subsequent arrest. The operation was conducted by various stakeholders: SANParks with its helicopter, some SAPS members, dog handlers and members of the SANDF.

“Upon searching the Hyundai, one hunting rifle with some ammunition, one rhino horn, two knives and some clothing items were discovered,” said a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

The three faced nine charges between them, including trespassing in the Kruger, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a prohibited firearm with its serial number obliterated, conspiracy to commit crime, the illegal hunting of a a rhino, possession of ammunition without a licence and possession of a dangerous weapon.

“As the case continued at the Skukuza Regional Court, the field ranger passed away, leaving behind the other three men to face the music,” said Mdhluli.

Maluleke and Khosa were sentenced to a total of 34 years each. However, the court ordered that the sentences for at least five of the counts run concurrently. This reduced it to an effective 22 years behind bars.

Neither of the two Mozambican nationals were convicted for the contravention of the Immigration.