LENGTHY JAIL TERM FOR SKUKUZA POACHER
The Skukuza Regional Court has convinced and sentenced Million Masilane (48), to 16 years of direct imprisonment for poaching-related offences. This is after the accused was found guilty of trespassing in the park, conspiracy to commit an offence, killing of two rhinos, attempted murder, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
On 18 March 2020, rangers were patrolling around the Pretoriuskop Section of the Kruger National Park when they spotted Masilane, Andries Baloi and Bethuel Baloyi, who is a Mozambican national, walking inside the reserve. Rangers ordered the suspects to stop, instead one of the accomplices pointed a firearm at the rangers. The rangers shot first and killed one poacher, Andries who died on the scene and the two suspects survived. They were apprehended and found in possession of two fresh rhino horns, an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and a dangerous weapon. Both accused were granted bail and Baloyi absconded. The state applied for separation of trial and a warrant of arrest was issued in respect.
Masilane pleaded not guilty, and the state led evidence of the rangers. A Ballistic report was presented, which showed that the firearms that were found in his possession were hunting rifles. DNA positive results also confirmed that the rhino horns that were found in the accused’s possession were for the freshly killed carcasses. The accused was found guilty and sentenced accordingly. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence.
