South Africa: Mozambican poacher sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing two rhinos

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South Africa: Mozambican poacher sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing two rhinos

5:17 CAT | 07 Jul 2023

Image: Lowvelder

Enock Ngobeni was found in possession of a firearm and two fresh rhino horns by rangers in the Tshokwane Section of the Kruger National Park earlier this year.

The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced Enock Ngobeni (31) from Mozambique to 22 years behind bars on July 4, for poaching-related offences in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

The South African National Prosecuting Authority’s provincial spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said Ngobeni pleaded guilty to the crimes and was convicted of trespassing in the KNP, contravening of the Immigration Act, two counts of rhino killings, conspiracy to commit an offence and possession of a dangerous weapon.

“On April 17, rangers of the Tshokwane Section were patrolling and found two rhino carcases. They followed footprints and found Ngobeni and his unknown accomplice in possession of a firearm and two fresh rhino horns. Ngobeni was arrested while his accomplice escaped and is still on the run,” she said.

In aggravation of sentence, the regional court prosecutor, Lot Mgiba, led DNA evidence of rhino horns discovered in Ngobeni’s possession that matched the two rhino carcases that were found.

The KNP’s spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, said they welcomed the sentencing and hoped that it would send a strong message to those who are considering poaching rhinos inside the Kruger. “We will continue working with law enforcement to ensure that we decisively deal with poaching. We would like to congratulate our rangers for arresting the poachers and making sure the law played its part.”

Source: Lowvelder