The Skukuza Regional Court sentenced Carlos Sithole to 20 years imprisonment after he was convicted for trespassing at Kruger National Park and found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime, pointing of firearm and possession of a prohibited firearm with no serial number on October 18.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the court heard that in 2015, the rangers apprehended Sithole with his two accomplices and pointed the rangers with a firearm. The rangers shot in self-defence and arrested him while his accomplices escaped.
During the trial, he denied his involvement and told the court that he was picking herbs as he was studying to be a traditional healer. Advocate Ansie Venter led evidence that of a ballistic expert and two rangers who arrested him. The state revealed more evidence of a San Parks Senior Investigator, Freek Roussouw who attended the crime scene as well as evidence of other experts. He was then found guilty as charged.
In aggravation of the sentence, Advocate Venter addressed the court on the plight of rhinos, the immense strain on rangers, the detrimental effect on the economy and the brutality and heartlessness killings of rhinos.
“There is a national and international outcry against poaching. The accused showed no remorse for his actions as he was alleging that he was framed, although the evidence proved that he was poaching,” said Magistrate Lesufi.
Sithole was sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment.
Skukuza Regional Court sentences poacher to 20 imprisonment
He denied his involvement and told the court that he was picking herbs as he was studying to be a traditional healer.
