Four rhino poachers receive hefty sentences

South African Police Service

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane welcomed the sentencing of four accused to a combined 90 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court on Thursday, 17 May 2018.

The sentencing emanates from an incident in which the accused entered Madikwe Game Reserve on Wednesday, 29 March 2017 and allegedly killed a rhino. Upon police response to the incident after receiving information, the accused abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot. The accused’s vehicle was searched and a rifle, knives as well as two rhino horns were found inside.

Following a thorough and responsive investigation, the accused were arrested by Provincial Stock Theft Unit together with National Intervention Unit in Winterveldt near Soshanguve on Tuesday, 4 April 2017.

The accused were sentenced as follows: Johannes Mthopa: 10 years imprisonment, Monda Ndlovu: 20 years imprisonment, Patrick Khoza: 30 years imprisonment and Samuel Masive: 30 years imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner commended all role players for their hard work that led to the success. She said further that the sentence will send a clear message that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that those commit crime including poachers will be dealt with accordingly.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service