| 2025/01/26 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the sentencing of three poachers by the Skukuza Regional Court on on Friday, 24 January 2025. Amongst these poachers, two are South African citizens, Sam Khosa (40) and Solly Bennett Selahle (30). The third one is a Mozambican national named Oddis Maluleke (46). The court heard that on Friday, 15 February 2019, a Regional Field Ranger observed suspicious activity inside the Kruger National Park involving the accused individuals. A Field Ranger, who has since passed away before the case could be finalized in court, was seen transporting two passengers in his vehicle and meeting with another individual, later identified as Selahle. The Regional Ranger immediately called for backup. It was during this time when various stakeholders, SANPARKS with a helicopter, the SAPS members, Dog handlers, and members from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The two vehicles, a VW Polo and a Hyundai were intercepted on the road between Skukuza and the Kruger Gate. Upon searching the Hyundai, one hunting rifle with some ammunition, one rhino horn, two knives, as well as some clothing items were discovered. The four suspects were immediately arrested and charged accordingly. The said two vehicles were also confiscated by the Police. During their court appearance, the four were granted bail at the Bushbuckridge District Court. As proceedings of the case continued at the Skukuza Regional Court, the said Field Ranger passed away, leaving behind the other three men to face the music. After a lengthy legal process, Khosa and Maluleke were convicted and sentenced as follows: – On (Count 1): Trespass in National Park, the two were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 2): Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, the two accused persons were not found guilty. – On (Count 3): possession of unlicensed firearm, the two were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 4): possession of firearm with intention to commit crime, the two were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 5): possession of a prohibited firearm, serial number obliterated, the two were sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 6): conspiracy to commit crime, the two were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 7): Illegal Hunting of Rhinoceros, the two were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 8): possession of unlicensed ammunition, the two were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. – On (Count 9): possession of dangerous weapon, the two were sentenced to one year imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentence on Count 3, 4, 8, and 9 to run concurrently with Count 5. The effective sentence for the two accused persons will be 22 years’ behind bars. On the other hand, Selahle was sentenced to four years’ in imprisonment for conspiracy to commit crime. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) commended the collaboration between various stakeholders that led to the successful conviction of the poachers. “We are encouraged by the sentences handed down to these poachers. We hope that the sentences will serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the accused persons,” said the General. Ends
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