A 41-year-old Mozambican national, Nelson Sambo, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in rhino poaching activities at Kruger National Park.
The court heard that on December 2, 2020, Sambo and an accomplice named Gabriel illegally entered the park through the Stolznek section. Field rangers heard gunshots and quickly alerted support teams, leading to the dispatch of a helicopter and dog units. The team tracked and apprehended the two men, who were found with two sets of rhino horns, a hunting rifle, twenty rounds of ammunition, and three knives.
Both suspects were initially granted bail after appearing in court but later absconded. Warrants were issued for their arrest. Sambo was eventually rearrested, while Gabriel is believed to have escaped to Mozambique.
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Sambo faced seven charges. He received three years for trespassing, ten years for violating immigration laws, and ten years for illegally hunting rhinos. Additionally, he was sentenced to four years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, five years for conspiracy to commit a crime, two years for possession of unlicensed ammunition, and one year for possession of a dangerous weapon. Some sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year imprisonment.
Authorities welcomed the sentence, praising the collaborative efforts of the investigation team, field rangers, prosecutors, and the judiciary.
Rhino poaching remains a serious issue in South Africa, with several recent incidents highlighting the ongoing threat to the country’s wildlife heritage.