Mozambican man receives 18 years in prison for rhino poaching

The Skukuza Regional Court sentenced a Mozambican national, Santos Baloyi (31), to an effective 18 years of direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences.

Baloyib was convicted for trespassing, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of a firearm with a serial number obliterated, possession of ammunition, killing of a rhino, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

According to the Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, Baloyi pleaded guilty to the offences.

“In September 2022, rangers at the Kruger National Park were doing their routine patrol when they heard gunshots near the Afsaal section. They spotted Baloyi with his two unknown accomplices. He exchanged fire with the rangers while the accomplices escaped,” Nyuswa said.

He sustained an injury to his leg.

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“The rangers went back to where they had spotted the trio and found two fresh rhino horns and an axe. Baloyi was subsequently arrested.”
During a search party in the park, the lifeless body of possibly one of Baloyi’s accomplice was found. The third poacher could not be traced.

Nyuswa said the state prosecutor, Lot Mgiba, led evidence of a ballistic report confirming that the firearm that was found in Baloyi’s possession, was the same one that was used to kill the rhino.

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“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence imposed on the Baloyi with the hope that this sentence will deter like-minded poachers,” Nyuswa said.