The Skukuza Regional Court on Friday handed down lengthy sentences to two men for rhino poaching-related offences, while a third man received a lighter sentence of four years.

Mpumalanga News reports Sam Khosa (40) and Oddis Maluleke (46), a South African and a Mozambican, will serve an effective 22 years in prison. A second South African, Solly Bennett Selahle (30), received a four-year sentence for conspiracy to commit a crime.

The three were arrested in the Kruger National Park on February 15, 2019, alongside Kruger field ranger Phillip Gumede (39), who was charged as an accomplice. Gumede passed away during the trial due to illness.

The arrests occurred after a regional ranger, suspecting foul play, intercepted the group along the road between Skukuza and the Kruger Gate. The operation involved SANParks, SAPS members, dog handlers, the SANDF, and a SANParks helicopter.

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

The three faced nine charges, including trespassing in the Kruger, contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal hunting of a rhino, and possession of dangerous weapons.

Maluleke and Khosa were sentenced to 34 years each, but the court ordered several counts to run concurrently, reducing their effective prison terms to 22 years.

Neither of the Mozambican nationals was convicted for contravening the Immigration Act.