Skukuza Regional Court sentences poacher to 12 years
The accused was found guilty of trespassing in the Kruger National Park, conspiracy to commit an offence and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced Lindelani Lucky Mdletshe (37) to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences.
According to the provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecutung Authority, Monica Nyuswa, the accused was convicted of trespassing in the park, conspiracy to commit an offence and possession of unlicensed firearms.
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“On April 11, some field rangers followed footprints around the Pretoriuskop Section. Upon investigation, they found Mdletshe, Rhody Hlamalani Ndlovu, a Mozambican national and an unknown accomplice who managed to escape. Mdletshe and Ndlovu were apprehended and were found in possession of unlicensed firearms. Both were granted bail. Mdletshe absconded and was later rearrested after a warrant of arrest was issued. His co-accused, Ndlovu, was convicted and sentenced, then the state applied for the separation of trial,” she said.
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Nyuswa added that Mdletshe had pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence in court. State prosecutor Lot Mgiba led the ranger as well as the ballistic report, which confirmed that the firearm that was found in his possession was a .375 hunting rifle used to poach rhinos, to prove the state’s case.
The court found the accused guilty as charged and he was sentenced accordingly. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
The National Prosecuting Authority said it welcomed this sentence.
