Two alleged rhino poachers caught in Kruger National Park
The poachers were caught red-handed with two of rhino horns, a hunting rifle, an axe, three mobile phones, two black bags and food.
Two Mozambican nationals, Sergio Mathebula and July Sihlangu, both aged 32, were allegedly caught red-handed with rhino horns and a hunting rifle in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday September 21.
The two alleged rhino poachers made a brief appearance in the Skukuza Regional Court on Thursday September 22. They were remanded in custody and their case postponed to Wednesday September 28 for a formal bail application.
The police arrested and charged the two men for possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, as well as for illegal possession of rhinoceros horns.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the two men from Mozambique entered the Republic of South Africa without documentation, thus they were also charged for contravening the country’s Immigration Act.
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Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the two were caught red handed with two rhino horns, a hunting rifle with six live rounds of ammunition, an axe, three mobile phones, two black bags and food.
“One of the field ranger managers in the park received information about individuals who illegally entered the park. Other law enforcement agencies were mobilised to assist in tracing the alleged poachers who seem to have entered the park through the Malelane Section. A helicopter was dispatched in order to help track these individuals. The helicopter assisted a great deal as it enabled the crew members to spot two suspects. This information was shared with other law enforcement agencies on the ground. It was not long before the two were found hiding behind tall grass where they were cornered.
“At this stage police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges or linking the two to other crimes committed elsewhere, as the investigation continues,” said Mohlala.
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The spokesperson of Kruger National Park, Isaac Phaahla, said a heavy sentence is crucial in sending a message to others.
“We are determined to conserve our fauna and flora for future generations. We have determined, dedicated rangers who are vigilant and up to the task. Over the years we have integrated technology into our anti-poaching security upgrades which includes cameras, wide area surveillance systems and night flying capabilities. All these interventions have given us a lot in return. We are able to track movement of suspicious vehicles, we can detect poachers when they come into the park before they can kill an animal, and we have successfully compiled water tight cases with our SAPS colleagues and ensured successful prosecutions with the NPA.
“It is guaranteed that once you are detected, we will set the dogs on your trail and you will lose your freedom. It is also helpful to remind the public that there are wild animals in the KNP which can kill or seriously injure people. Some of the would be poachers have been killed by elephants and lions. The KNP is not safe for poachers.”
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspects.
“This should send a clear message to others who might consider causing injuries to the country’s pride in our national parks. We previously indicated that a situation in which people can just illegally enter the park to poach will never be tolerated. The law will have to take its course against the accused and we trust that the team of investigators working with the prosecution team will do their best to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted without fear or favour,” said Manamela.
