Former rangers to spend 7 years in jail
Dr Govender said, "This is a huge triumph for the work of our dedicated rangers."
South African National Parks (SANParks) welcomed the sentencing of two former field rangers, Hendric Eccelence Silinda and Achieve Musa Mlambo, by the Skukuza Regional Court on Tuesday.
The Skukuza-based duo were sentenced to an effective seven years in prison following their arrest in February 2019 for possession of an unlicensed firearm and other poaching-related items found at the base camp they were staying in during anti-poaching operations.
Silinda and Mlambo were both found guilty on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, a prohibited firearm and unlicensed ammunition, as well as possession of a dangerous weapon.
The acting managing executive of the Kruger National Park (KNP), Dr Danny Govender, said, “We are happy with the sentence as it demonstrates that our criminal courts are working well. This has been a long road and our colleagues should be aware of our zero tolerance to corruption.”
He commended the Skukuza Regional Court for imposing lengthy jail terms in recent cases and said it shows they are making good progress in fighting poaching.
“This is a huge triumph for the work of our dedicated rangers who work tirelessly to ensure criminals responsible for poaching our wildlife are brought to book. Rangers are the first ring in the chain of justice.”
The court heard how Silinda and Mlambo, who were field rangers at the Skukuza Section of the KNP, had been found in possession of an unlicensed firearm that was hidden at their camp site. SANParks then conducted a sting operation during which a large calibre firearm, ammunition, backpacks and a knife were recovered.
The police at Skukuza were called in and arrested and charged the two.
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The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, said, “This sentence should send a clear message to those who might think of carrying out criminal activities while working as one of the law enforcement agencies. The time to do that is over and perpetrators will soon be exposed.”
This follows heavy sentences imposed on five rhino poachers in November, including Sipho Khoza who was sentenced to 52 years in jail for rhino poaching in the KNP.
Last month, the Skukuza Regional Court also meted out harsh sentences to Muxiyi Nelyo Hlangwana and Khensa Timote Chauke, who each received six years’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act, trespassing in the KNP, conspiracy to commit an offence and possession of a dangerous weapon.
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In addition, Silvester Sidney Zitha, who is originally from Mozambique, was sentenced to an effective 17 years’ imprisonment for rhino poaching, while Isaac Sihlangu was sentenced to an effective 11 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of an unlicensed firearm and a dangerous weapon, as well as trespassing in the KNP.
According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, 210 rhinos were poached on state properties and 49 on privately owned parks between January and June.
