Three rhino Kruger National Park poachers each get a hefty sentence

Three rhino poachers each received hefty sentences when they appeared in the Skukuza Regional Court.

THE THREE POACHERS WERE CAUGHT INSIDE THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The three men, Walter Hendric Mangane (59), Shangani Mathebula (26), and Emmanuel Mdluli (33), were found guilty on several charges.

Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said on 26 November 2017, the three heavily armed men trespassed and entered the Kruger National Park with the intention to kill rhinoceroses.

“Moments later, a report was received by the Field Rangers about gunshots that were heard in the park. The Field Rangers then responded and followed up on the information, and after that, with the assistance of a tracker dog, they spotted the men.

“While drawing closer, the rangers saw the poachers shooting two rhinoceroses, and they immediately summoned a SANParks helicopter for support, and the trio were then apprehended.”

He said the men were in possession of a rifle, with the serial number filed off as well as ammunition. The trio was also found with rhino horns which were stashed in backpacks.

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“The SAPS members at Skukuza were notified about the incident, and a case was opened accordingly. The docket was then assigned to a team of members from the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit for investigation.

He said the team worked tirelessly, and the three men were then charged accordingly as well as appeared before court where they were convicted hence their sentencing as follows:

• Mangane was sentenced to a total of 45 years imprisonment for trespassing, possession of an unlicensed firearm, being in possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, and the three counts of hunting rhinoceros.
• Meanwhile, Mdluli was sentenced to a total of 30 years imprisonment for trespassing, possession of an unlicensed firearm, being in possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, and the three counts of hunting rhinoceros.
• Lastly, Mathebula, who is originally from Mozambique and was in the country illegally, was sentenced to a total of 30 years imprisonment for contravention of the immigration act, trespassing, possession of an unlicensed firearm, being in possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, and the three counts of hunting rhinoceros.

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