The three were sentenced this week on the charges related to rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

Jeffrey Mathebula was arrested in 2015 and convicted for trespassing in a national park. He was fined R10,000 or two years imprisonment of which half was suspended for five years, Adolph Ndlovu was convicted for trespassing, being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and being in possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a crime. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, while Abednigo Mahlabane was arrested in 2017, convicted for trespassing, being an illegal immigrant, being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and pointing a firearm, and was given an effective sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

SANParks chief executive Fundisile Mketeni congratulated the prosecution, the SAPS, Ranger’s corps and the environment crime investigative unit and expressed gratitude to the justice system for stepping up and ensuring that all hands are on deck in the fight against wildlife crime. 

“It is very encouraging to note that the perpetrators are not just arrested but they are also sentenced as it should be. This is a step in the right direction and it goes to show how this poaching scourge can be overcome if we all work together,” said Mketeni.  

ANA