Skukuza ‘poaching’ court is back in business

A tedious and frustrating battle to reopen the Skukuza Regional Court has emerged victorious, after an announcement made by the South African National Parks (SANParks) on Thursday. 

The court was closed by Mpumalanga regional court president Naomi Engelbrecht in August 2019, who wanted the court be moved to Mhala Court, almost 100km from Skukuza, for dubious reasons. 

Among them was the claim that the court’s building had not been proclaimed a legitimate court. 

ALSO READ: Lack of urgency in reopening Skukuza Court frustrates conservation efforts

After the closure, a battle ensued between Engelbrecht and Mpumalanga High Court Judge President Francis Legodi. Legodi, who is Engelbrecht’s superior, instructed her to reverse her decision, but she ignored his instruction. 

Engelbrecht’s decision was also opposed by National Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Shamila Batohi. 

In a motion to review the case by Legodi, a full bench, including Judge Bernard Ngoepe, retired judge president of the North Gauteng High Court Cynthia Pretorius and acting judge Moira Mankge, bar two parties, supported Legodi’s motion. 

Legodi and the conservation community believe the court’s location in Skukuza to be integral, as it is in close proximity to the victims of wildlife crime. 

The court in its heyday boasted a 99.8% rhino poaching conviction rate, and 100% success rate in opposing bail applications. 

Engelbrecht’s decision was declared invalid on Monday. 

Managing executive of the Kruger National Park, Gareth Coleman, said SANParks was “happy with the decision”, and looked forward to operations resuming at the court. 

SANParks said the court has undergone refurbishment, and that cases, especially related to rhino poaching, will be heard soon. 

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