Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga said this follows the conviction and sentencing of three former Skukuza officials by the Skukuza Regional Court for poaching-related offences.

Two former security officers, Nyiko Gumede (40) and Nomsa Ndlovu (42), were each sentenced to an effective 12 years’ direct imprisonment, while their co-accused, Ludwick Mhlaba (44), a technician, was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment.

Gumede and Ndlovu were convicted on two counts: the killing of a rhino and conspiracy to commit a crime. Mhlaba was convicted on a single count of killing a rhino.

The court heard that on the night of 19 October 2020, rangers from the Sabie Sand Section responded to gunshots and discovered a rhino carcass near a firearm, fresh rhino horns, and a cellphone. It was suspected that the perpetrators had fled upon noticing the rangers.

Although an immediate search proved unsuccessful, investigators analysed the recovered cellphone and identified a call made shortly before the rangers’ arrival. Police then contacted the last dialled number, posing as a corrupt ranger offering to hand over the rhino horns in exchange for payment.

The call was answered by Gumede, and arrangements were made for delivery. Police subsequently obtained authorisation for an entrapment operation in terms of Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. An undercover officer later confirmed the arrangement, with Ndlovu providing details of the vehicle to be used.

At the agreed location, police found all three accused inside a vehicle driven by Mhlaba. They were arrested on the scene and later released on bail.

During the trial, all three accused pleaded not guilty. The State, led by Prosecutor Lot Mgiba, presented compelling evidence, including testimony from rangers and police officers involved in the operation, as well as DNA evidence linking the recovered horns to the rhino carcass found in the Sabie Sand Section.

The court found the State witnesses credible and convicted the accused.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mgiba emphasised that the accused had been entrusted with protecting wildlife but instead betrayed that trust by participating in poaching activities. He urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offences and serves as a deterrent.

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Gumede and Ndlovu were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for killing a rhino and four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy. The court ordered that a portion of the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 12 years’ direct imprisonment. Mhlaba was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment.

All three accused were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

Poaching continues to have devastating consequences for both the environment and society. The illegal killing of species such as rhinos threatens biodiversity, drives endangered wildlife closer to extinction, and fuels organised crime, corruption, and illicit trade—undermining the rule of law and community safety.

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A closer look revealed two young orange-fronted parakeets, heavily sedated and stuffed into small brown bags tucked inside his underwear. Martinez, a U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, was trying to smuggle the protected birds into the United States without following required quarantine and inspection procedures.

The birds were found alive but sluggish, and border veterinarians immediately treated them. They were later placed under official quarantine and are expected to recover fully.

Authorities say this wasn’t Martinez’s first attempt to sneak birds across the border. Records indicate he may have been involved in smuggling birds before. He now faces serious federal charges that could bring up to 20 years in prison and significant fines.

Orange-fronted parakeets are considered a vulnerable species, facing threats from intense trapping and illegal wildlife trade. Hundreds of thousands have been trafficked over the years, placing the species under increased pressure.

This case is one of several recent incidents. In April, another man was caught trying to smuggle 12 of the same birds inside his boots, with several not surviving the ordeal. Officials say these cases highlight the cruelty and dangers of wildlife smuggling — both for the animals and the people involved.

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