Nelspruit: 21 June 2023 - The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the sentence imposed upon a poacher. Freedom Ndlovu (32) was sentenced on Tuesday, 20 June 2023 by the Skukuza Regional Court for poaching related offences. The court heard that on 04 November 2016 Field Ranges from Kruger National Park were patrolling around the Stolznek Section and they came into contact with three males in the bushes.
When the three noticed the rangers, they ran away. The chopper as well as a tracker dog were brought on board by the rangers. Shortly, a search began with the assistance of the helicopter. The three intruders were spotted and one was captured thereafter. The man was found laying on the ground with a hunting rifle. When asked about his fellows, he pointed at the direction where his accomplices ran to. With the help of a tracker dog, the other two were eventually captured as well. The two were found in possession of the following items, one 375 hunting rifle with a silencer, four ammunition, six (06) rhino horns which were contained inside backpack bags, as well as an axe.
Three carcasses of rhinoceros were then discovered in the vicinity where the three were apprehended. Other items discovered in the crime scene were 6 catridges. The Police in Skukuza were informed about the incident and upon arrival at the scene, they arrested the three men, Freedom Ndlovu (32), Alsony Baloyi (33) and Fanual Ngobe (30). The recovered items were also confiscated for further investigation. The three suspects were later granted bail during their appearance at the Bushbuckrigde Magistrate's Court however Fanual Nqobe did not return to court and a warrant for his arrest was issued against him. He is still sought by the Police.
The court decided to sentence the three accused separately. Alsony Baloyi (33) was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment on 17 June 2021.
On Tuesday, 20 June 2023, Ndlovu was sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court as follows:
Count 1 - trespassing in the National Park, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Count 2 - hunting of three rhino, the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 3 - possession of unlicenced firearm, the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 4 - possession of firearm with the intention to commit a crime, the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 5 - possession of unlicenced ammunition, the accused was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
Count 6 - conspiracy to commit a crime, the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 7 - possession of dangerous weapon, the accused was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.
The accused was sentenced to a total of 32 years imprisonment. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further indicated that the sentence will hopefully serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the accused. "We really appreciate the work done by various stakeholders in dealing with poaching. In the past months, we have witnessed hefty sentencing against poachers. We are so thankful to the SANParks officials, the police's investigation team, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary" said the General.