Mpumalanga rhino poacher gets hefty sentence

The Skukuza Regional Court last week sentenced Philip Mfana Masuku (62), from Bhekiswayo Trust in Kabokweni, to 14 years’ direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences.

Masuku faced four charges – trespassing, killing two rhinos, conspiracy to commit an offence, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

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The court heard that on 17 February 2019, field rangers detected the movement of three suspects near the Pretoriuskop section of Kruger National Park and responded with the aid of sniffer dogs.

The rangers apprehended Masuku, while his two accomplices managed to escape and were never found.

A search of the crime scene led to the discovery of two knives and a bag containing fresh rhino horns. Masuku was arrested and granted bail but later absconded. A warrant of arrest was issued and he was rearrested in 2023.

In court, Masuku pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence. However, State prosecutor Lot Mgiba led compelling evidence, including testimony from the rangers who effected the arrest and DNA analysis confirming the blood on the accused’s clothing matched that of the poached rhinos.

The court imposed the following sentences: 3 years for trespassing, 10 years for killing two rhinos, 4 years for conspiracy to commit an offence, and 1 year for possession of a dangerous weapon.

The court ordered the sentences for counts 1 (trespassing) and 4 (possession of a dangerous weapon) to run concurrently with the sentence for count 2 (killing two rhinos), resulting in an effective sentence of 14 years’ direct imprisonment. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said poaching remains a serious threat to South Africa’s biodiversity and endangered species, with devastating long-term impacts.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence and reiterates its commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting the country’s natural heritage for future generations.

“The 14-year sentence sends a strong signal that crimes against South Africa’s protected species will not go unpunished. Despite absconding after being granted bail, the accused was tracked down, rearrested and successfully prosecuted, demonstrating the NPA’s unwavering commitment to holding poachers accountable and the effectiveness of the justice system in ensuring no offender escapes justice, no matter how long it takes,” said Nyuswa.

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