Two Mozambican rhino poachers who were caught in the Satara section of the Kruger National Park in May 2019 have been sentenced to jail after two rhino carcasses were found.
Isaac Phaahla, the spokesperson for SANParks, said that rangers Americo Mathonsi, 59, and Michael Chauke, 57, responded to the sounds of gunfire and consequently found the deceased rhinos with their horns still intact.
The poachers were caught nearby the carcasses with poaching equipment and a high-powered rifle. They have both been sentenced to 23 years behind bars by the Skukuza regional court.
The two men were convicted of trespassing in a national park, killing the rhinos which are a protected and endangered species, possession of dangerous weapons, possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, and contravening the Immigration Act.
Managing executive of the Kruger National Park, Gareth Coleman, congratulated the prosecution and praised the team who made the arrests. ‘Our continued collaboration with the SA Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority is bearing results seen in the sentences that have been meted out by the courts,’ he said.
‘There’s still more to be done, especially outside the park, but our anti-poaching teams will be encouraged by these sentences which prove that their efforts are not in vain.’
Several high-profile poaching cases will be finalised this year by the Skukuza regional court. This includes the case of the former Kruger National Park ranger Rodney Landela whose trial will take place in June.
Picture: Supplied
ALSO READ
