Prosecutor fights for harsh rhino poaching sentence

“We are fighting for the rhino and the rangers, for our country, nature and those who love these things,” she told Lowvelder.

The guilty pleas of Silva Tubane, 33, and Aboxubi Mucindi, 19, unequivocally declared they had poached rhino and intended to poach more, but game rangers had stopped them. Tubane and Mucindi pleaded guilty to five charges each: illegal entry into the Kruger National Park, illegal hunting of a white rhino and the illegal possession of rifles and ammunition with the intention to poach more rhino.

Magistrate André Geldenhuys sentenced the accused in accordance with their pleas. Both Tubane and Mucindi will spend a total of 30 years behind bars – this exceeds the 25-year term of a life sentence. Geldenhuys’ sentencing followed Venter’s emotional plea that harsher sentences be imposed on rhino poachers.

Venter also fought for the rangers of the Kruger National Park. “Your Worship, the rangers chose their career path for a reason. They have a passion for nature and want to serve and express their love of Mother Nature. However, the poachers who terrorise nature have forced rangers to become soldiers. They never signed up for this.”

The effect of poaching on South Africa’s economy, biodiversity and sustainable development was briefly referred to. “We want the world to take note of our beautiful country, but instead it is taking note of us because of, among other things, the rhino-poaching phenomenon.”

When the sentence of 30 years was passed for each of the perpetrators, Venter was elated as justice had been served. “This sets a standard and sends out a message that warns prospective poachers not to endanger our beloved rhino,” she said.

– Caxton News Service