SKUKUZA POACHER SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IMPRISONMENT
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced a Mozambican national, Santos Baloyi (31), to an effective 18 years of direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences. Baloyi pleaded guilty to the offence and was subsequently convicted of 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.
On 10 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, Baloyi aimed at the rangers, and they fired shots in self-defence, while his unknown co-accused managed to escape. The rangers went back to the place where they spotted the trio and found two fresh rhino horns and an axe. Baloyi was subsequently arrested.
During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the crime. The state prosecutor Lot Mgiba led evidence of a ballistic report confirming that the firearm that was found in the accused’s possession is the same firearm that was used to kill the rhino. The court sentenced the accused to 18 years of direct imprisonment sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence imposed on the accused with the hope that this sentence will deter like–minded poachers.
