Skukuza Regional Court convicts, sentences rhino poachers

The Skukuza Regional Court sentenced Freedom Ndlovu (32) to 32 years in prison on Tuesday June 20 for poaching-related offences.

The court heard that on November 4, 2016, some field rangers from Kruger National Park were patrolling around the Stolznek Section when they came upon three males in the bushes.

They managed to flee.

A helicopter and tracker dog were brought in by the rangers for their search. The three intruders were spotted, and one was captured. The man was found lying on the ground with a hunting rifle. When asked about his fellows, he pointed in the direction in which his accomplices had run. With the help of the tracker dog, the other two were eventually captured as well.

ALSO READ: Casterbridge market a treat for all

They were found in possession of the following items: one .375 hunting rifle with a silencer, four rounds of ammunition, six rhino horns in backpacks, as well as an axe.

Three rhino carcases were discovered in the vicinity where the three had been apprehended. Six cartridges were also discovered on the crime scene.

The Skukuza SAPS were informed about the incident and arrested the three men, Freedom Ndlovu (32), Alsony Baloyi (33) and Fanual Ngobe (30). The recovered items were also confiscated for further investigation.

The three suspects were later granted bail during their appearance in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court, however, Nqobe did not return to court, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. He is still sought by the police.

The Skukuza court decided to sentence the three accused separately. Baloyi was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment on June 17.

On Tuesday June 20, Ndlovu was sentenced as follows:
• Count 1 – trespassing in the Kruger National Park: two years
• Count 2 – hunting of three rhinos: 10 years
• Count 3 – possession of an unlicensed firearm: 10 years
• Count 4 – possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime: 10 years
• Count 5 – possession of unlicensed ammunition: five years
• Count 6 – conspiracy to commit a crime: four years
• Count 7 – possession of a dangerous weapon: two years
• Count 8 – conspiracy to commit an offence: four years
• Count 9 – possession of dangerous weapon: one year.

ALSO READ: Some corruption charges against Bongani Bongo dropped

The counts that will run concurrently are 2 and 3, 4 and 8 as well as 5 and 7. That totals to 32 years of imprisonment. Ndlovu was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.