Poacher caught in the act, sentenced to 20 years

SKUKUZA – Mapoyisa Mhlauli (30), a poacher who had committed several crimes in the Kruger National Park, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in the Skukuza Regional Court on Thursday.

WO Willie Broodryk, spokesman for the Skukuza SAPS, explained how his arrest on March 17 last year came about. “At 05:00 that morning, three rangers (who will not be named to protect their identities) set out to patrol the Kingfisherspruit area of the park,” he said. According to Broodryk, the trio discovered spoor at 09:35 and suspected that it belonged to a poacher. They followed it with a tracking dog and soon discovered that there were three sets. “This was indicative of poachers being active – they usually travel in groups of three,” he said.

According to a sworn statement forming part of the docket, a gunshot sounded while the rangers were following the spoor. Two of them ran in the direction of the shots. Four more shots were followed by a noise that one ranger described as “a chopping sound”. After following the sound, they stumbled upon a rhino carcass. Two persons were busy dehorning the carcass and a third was on the opposite side. “This individual was made aware of the rangers’ presence. In reaction, he grabbed his rifle and aimed at one,” added Broodryk. According to a statement in the docket, a crossfire ensued and the poachers made a run for it.

Two of them managed to escape. The third – Mhlauli – had been shot and was airlifted to a local hospital shortly after. “A large-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition, an axe and a fresh set of rhinoceros horns were recovered from the scene,” said Broodryk.
The police’s WO Ernest Malumane investigated Mhlauli’s involvement in poaching and, once discharged from hospital, Mhauli was prosecuted by senior state advocate, Isabet Erwee.*

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She charged him with trespassing in the Kruger National Park, illegally hunting a rhino, possessing a firearm with the intent to commit a crime and possessing an unlicensed firearm. He was sentenced to 20 years’ effective imprisonment.

Skukuza SAPS’ station commander, Capt Phineas Xitlagi Lubisi, congratulated investigating officer Ernest Malumane. “This will deter prospective poachers,” he said.

• Lowvelder previously reported that the case was prosecuted by Advocate Ansie Venter, whereas Advocate Isabet Erwee was the prosecutor. We apologise for the mistake and any harm it may have caused.