The Skukuza Regional Court recently convicted and sentenced Million Masilane (48) to 16 years’ direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences. He was found guilty of trespassing in the Kruger National Park (KNP), conspiracy to commit an offence, killing two rhinos, attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon, a firearm and ammunition.

According to Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, some rangers were patrolling around the Pretoriuskop Section in the KNP last year on March 18 when they spotted Masilane, Andries Baloi and Bethuel Baloyi, a Mozambican national.

“The rangers ordered the suspects to halt. Instead, one of the accomplices pointed a firearm at the rangers. The rangers shot first and killed one, Andries, who died on the scene. The other two were apprehended and found in possession of two fresh rhino horns, an unlicensed firearm, some ammunition and a dangerous weapon. Both accused were granted bail, but Baloyi absconded. The state applied for separation of trial and a warrant of arrest was issued,” she said.

Nyuswa added that Masilane had pleaded not guilty. The state led with the evidence of the rangers. A ballistics report was presented, which showed that the firearms found in his possession were hunting rifles. Some positive DNA results also confirmed that the rhino horns found in the accused’s possession were from the freshly killed carcases found in the area.

Masilane was found guilty and sentenced accordingly. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.