TWO SKUKUZA POACHERS SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IMPRISONMENT
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced two Mozambican Nationals, July Sihlangu (33)
and Sergio Mathebula (32) to an effective 18 years direct imprisonment for
poaching related offences.
Sihlangu and Mathebula were convicted of trespassing, Contravention of Immigration Act,
possession of a firearm with a serial number obliterated, possession of ammunition, killing
of a rhino and possession of an axe.
On 21 September 2022, rangers of Kruger National Park were doing their routine when
they spotted Sihlangu and Mathebula around Malelane Section. They apprehended them
and found them in possession of a hunting rifle with a serial number obliterated, two live
ammunitions, an exe and two fresh rhino horns. The rangers went back to the place where
they spotted the accused and found a carcass and subsequently arrested them.
In court the state led evidence of a ballistic report confirming that the firearm that was
found in their possession was a 375 rifle that was used to kill the rhino. The court found
the pair guilty as charged.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence imposed to the accused and
lauded the hard work done by the prosecutor and the investigating team.
