Convicted rhino poacher Wawito Mawala was sentenced to 21 years in jail for the murder of his accomplice Erasmo Mazivele, even though it was a wildlife ranger that shot and killed him. Ingwavuma Regional Court magistrate MA Khumalo sentenced Mawala to 15 years for the murder of his hunting companion, and a further nine years for unlawfully hunting rhino and a year for trespassing in an area where game was likely.
South African National Parks(SANParks) spokesman, Reynold Thakhuli, felt that the verdict was a game-changer in the fight against rhino poaching.. “This is the first I’ve heard of this kind of conviction. These guys carry high-calibre rifles and if our courts are beginning to realise that rangers are in danger, it goes a long way in tackling the fight against rhino poaching, on all fronts. The fight against rhino poaching is not only fought in the bush,” said Thakhuli.
According to Wildlife News, the Mozambique-born Mawala was found guilty for the death because he must have foreseen the possibility of conflict with rangers when he and three other arranged to go rhino poaching at the Ndumo Game Reserve in November 2011.
Mawala and three other companions, including Mazivele, were pursuing a white rhino when they were spotted by two wildlife rangers at the reserve. One of the rangers ordered Mazivele to lower his weapon but he refused and pointed in their direction. The rangers then fired shots at Mazivele and his companions, fatally wounding him. Mawala and the others fled. Mawala was captured later and brought to trial.
No rhino or wildlife species were hurt during the illegal hunt.
Mawala had mantained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming that he was on his way to Durban to seach for work, and he was not aware he was in a game reserve. However, the magistrate felt that Mawala had not given reasons during his trial why he should not be held accountable for the murder of Mazivele.
Bandile Mkhize, Chief Executive Officer of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife was pleased by co-operation between law enforcement and the Justice Department. “We hope it will send a message to other poachers,” he added.
Mawala will only serve four of the nine years of the rhino hunting sentence concurrently with the murder sentence meaning he could spend 21 years in jail.
Main image courtesy of Scott Ramsay, www.yearinthewild.com
How you can help
According to a statement by the Department of Enviromental Affairs, 428 rhinos have been poached in the first four months of this year. The numbers could continue to grow if we turn a blind eye. You can aid in the fight against poaching by identifying and reporting any suspicious behaviour that could lead to the apprehension and conviction of suspected poachers.
To report incidents of poaching and tip-offs call the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
Related :Six simple ways to help end rhino poaching
