15-Year sentence to rhino poaching syndicate members

Thabazimbi – In a significant ruling on Tuesday 6 February 2024, the Thabazimbi Regional Court handed down a 15-year imprisonment sentence to four individuals involved in the illegal hunting of specially protected animals within the Lephalale policing area.

The accused, identified as Amos Moyane (45), Senzo Chabalala (35), Mandla Mbosheni (37), and Edias Chippa (45), were implicated in a notorious rhino poaching operation. Their capture was a result of a coordinated effort by law enforcement, following a tip-off that led to their arrest on 30 October 2021 in the Hoopdal policing area.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba detailed how the suspects were apprehended for conspiring to poach rhinos and for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The arrest was executed by the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), Thabazimbi Reservists, and Hoopdal Police, who seized an array of poaching equipment including firearms, ammunition, a silencer, and knives.
Further investigations solidified the group’s involvement through DNA evidence linking them to a rhino poaching incident in the Gravelotte policing area.

The court convicted the men on multiple counts, leading to their comprehensive sentencing:

• Count 1: Conspiracy to hunt and poach rhinos, dehorn them, and trade their horns: 15 years imprisonment.
• Count 2: Hunting of a specially protected animal: 15 years imprisonment.
• Count 3: Prohibited acts concerning wild and alien animals: 15 years imprisonment.
• Count 4: Prohibited acts relating to firearms: 15 years imprisonment.
• Count 5: Possession of prohibited firearms: 10 years imprisonment.
• Count 7: Possession of ammunition: 10 years imprisonment.
• Count 10: Possession of dangerous weapons: 5 years imprisonment.
• Count 11: Illegal entry into South Africa without a valid passport: 90 days imprisonment.
• The sentences for counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 11 will run concurrently for the first and third accused. 

Major general Jan Scheepers, acting provincial commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the diligent efforts in securing these convictions, underscoring the commitment to preserving South Africa’s wildlife and holding those who seek to harm it accountable.

The sentencing marks a notable victory in the fight against rhino poaching in the region, sending a strong message to potential poachers about the severe consequences of engaging in such illegal activities.