Two Rhino poachers sentenced to 15 years in prison
Police say they will continue the fight against rhino poaching as it has been alarmingly problematic recently.
LIMPOPO – According to police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, Joseph Molapo and Sebastian Mbhombhi were both sentenced by the Saselamani Magistrates Court, outside Giyani, to an effective fifteen years and six months imprisonment each.
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Ngoepe says the two men were sentenced as follows:
– Four years for rhino poaching.
– Six months for trespassing.
– Eight years for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
– Three years for possession of unlicensed ammunition.
“Both accused were also declared unfit to possess firearms,” he added.
Ngoepe says the two suspects were arrested during a joint operation by officials from the Kruger National Park, rangers, Saps’ Provincial Stock Theft Unit and Community Farm Policing Sectors, while one suspect was shot dead.
“The trio entered the Kruger National Park illegally with the intention to hunt rhinos for their horns. During the operation, a shoot out ensued between the Rangers and poachers resulting in one of the suspects being fatally wounded. The remaining two were arrested inside the park,” he explained.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt. General Nneke Ledwaba, has commended all relevant stakeholders for their enormous efforts which ensured the successful prosecution of these rhino poachers.
