SKUKUZA POACHER SENTENCED TO 32 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR POACHING-RELATED OFFENCES
The Skukuza Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Freedom Siyabonga Ndlovu (32), to 32 years of direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences. The accused was convicted of trespassing in Skukuza National Park, three counts of killing rhinos, possession of a firearm, conspiracy to commit an offence, possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of ammunition.
On 04 November 2016, rangers at Skukuza got tip-off information about poachers seen around Stelznek Section and went to the alleged scene. They found Alberto Valoyi , Fanwell Ndobe and Freedom Siyabonga Ndlovu, in possession of a hunting rifle, ammunition, six fresh rhino horns and an axe . They were all subsequently arrested. Ndobe and Ndlovu absconded after the court granted them bail, and Valoyi was convicted and sentenced.
Later, Ndlovu was re-arrested, but his co-accused Ndobe is still at large. During the trial, Ndlovu denied the allegations levelled against him. State prosecutor Lot Mgiba led evidence of the rangers, and police officers as well the evidence of the ballistic report expert which confirmed that the bullets found on carcasses were fired from the rifle that was found in the accused possession.
Magistrate Ngobeni found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced him to 32 years of direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence.
