Another lengthy sentence for Skukuza poacher
The accused's charges include trespassing in Kruger National Park, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of firearm with intent to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed ammunition and for being in the country illegally.
The Mhala Regional Court recently sentenced Alfred Mkhonto to 18 years direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty for five charges.
His charges include trespassing in Kruger National Park, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of firearm with intent to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed ammunition and for being in the country illegally.
The evidence reveals that in 2017 Mkhonto and his two accomplices were found walking between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop when apprehended by the rangers. One of his accomplices pointed a firearm at the rangers. The rangers fired first and killed both poachers while Mkhonto was shot in the leg and was arrested.
READ: Six suspected poachers arrested at Kruger National Park
He initially denied the allegations levelled against him and told the court he was taking a shortcut from Mozambique to South Africa. He later pleaded guilty and testified he was recruited from Mozambique, and stayed in the house of one of the deceased accomplices in the country.
During court proceedings Advocate Ansie Venter addressed the court that poaching is prevalent. She said this type of crime was planned and it puts the lives of the rangers in danger. “The accused had a job in Mozambique but came to South Africa illegally to poach out of greed. The only reason the accused did not kill a rhino that night was due to the information the rangers received”.
Mkhonto was sentenced to 18 years in prison and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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