Issued by Vryheid Herald reporter, Sinethemba Thwala
“We are satisfied with this sentencing and hope that it will deter 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, on November 21 at the Vryheid Magistate’s Court.
According to Conservation Law Enforcement Officer Lawrence Munro, KZN had a high incident of rhino poaching in 2010 when this particular incident occurred. In response, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife stepped up law enforcement. Staff also engaged actively with the community and had a positive relationship with community members, which led to information being provided.
The Vryheid SAPS, in response to the information that was provided by Ezemvelo, conducted a road block and stopped a vehicle with the two suspects and a bag full of rhino horn inside.
At the same time, rangers on patrol at the Makhamisa section of Umfolozi Game Reserve conducted a sweep-search and located the carcass of a poached rhino.
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 suspect’s home.
Upon further investigation it was discovered that Ezemvelo had employed one of the suspects as casual labour.
Officer Munro said Ezemvelo was very happy with the court’s ruling and that staff were very grateful to the SAPS as well as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their assistance with this case.
Statistics show that the world rhino population has dropped by more than 90 per cent over the past 30 years. Only five species remain in the world today, and all of these are under threat, with three being listed as critically endangered.
