RHINO poaching has been a headache for rangers in different camps of Mzansi.
But now, justice prevails as a convicted poacher faces years behind bars.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng has welcomed the 17 years imprisonment imposed upon Mbongeni Selephi Ngobeni for poaching related offences.
The accused was sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court on Thursday, 14 March.
The court heard how Ngobeni and his two accomplices entered the Kruger National Park through Makoko bridge on 21 June 2016.
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It is said that Field Rangers on duty that day, spotted some human tracks in the park. It never took long before they came into contact with a carcass of a slaughtered rhinoceros.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the rangers conducted a massive search with the assistance of a tracker dog. The accused was later apprehended with a large calibre hunting rifle in his possession.
“He was charged accordingly and thereafter appeared in court where he was granted bail.
He was supposed to appear for the second time in court on 19 March 2019, but never showed up,” he said.
He said a warrant for his arrest was issued but he could not be traced for a long time.
“On 22 December 2023, information regarding his whereabouts was received by the investigators. The information was followed and led to his arrest,” he sad.
Mdhluli said he was found guilty for hunting rhinoceros, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as for trespassing hence his sentencing to an effective 17 years direct imprisonment.
“The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further thanked members of the public who provided valuable information which led to the suspect's arrest.
The General extended the words of gratitude to the SANPARKS officials, the Investigation team, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary for their collaborative efforts which led to hefty sentence.
