Rhino poachers recieve ten years
An AK47 bullet was located in the carcass of the rhino
“We are satisfied with this sentencing and hope that it will deter to all like-minded people from committing this crime”, these were the words of Advocate Yuri Gangai regarding the sentencing of Bonginkosi Siyaya and Philani Khanyile who were found guilty of poaching and the possession of rhino horn.
These two men who were caught with rhino horns in a mini-bus taxi on the Melmoth road in November 2010 were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without any suspended sentencing or fines, today at the Vryheid Magistates' Court.
An AK47 bullet was located in the carcass of the rhino, and upon a follow-up that was done by Ezemvelo KZN with the assistance of JP Roux from the Durban SAPS Organised Crime Unit, as well as members of the Vryheid SAPS, an AK47 firearm was discovered at one of the suspects' home.
Lawrence Munro, a spokesperson for the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said that Ezemvelo were very happy with the court's ruling and that they were highly grateful to the SAPS as well as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their assistance with this case.
