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FOUR men were sentenced to imprisonment at the Ngwelezana Magistrate’s Court last week after they were found guilty of rhino poaching and being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Mduduzi Magwaza was sentenced to nine years imprisonment, Emmanuel Xulu to 12 years, Bonginhlanhla Khumalo to six and Vela Madela to three years.
The sentencing was welcomed by the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Sihle Zikalala.
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‘We urge the courts to continue throwing the book at poachers. Nothing but hefty jail sentences will deter poachers intent on plundering our critically endangered species,’ he said at a media briefing.
Zikalala, whose Environmental Affairs portfolio includes Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, commended law enforcement agencies, including game rangers and communities residing in the vicinity of game parks for working together to bring the suspects to book.
‘We have no doubt that these sentences will act as a deterrent to syndicates that butcher our natural resources. Rhino poaching not only threatens the very existence of these majestic beasts that are an integral part of our ecosystem, but also has the potential of adversely affecting tourism.’
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