Just for illustration. (Photo: Mount Camdeboo/Facebook)
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentence handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court to a 45-year-old man for rhino poaching and various related crimes in the Kruger National Park.
Goodwill Sibongiseni Mathebula was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after being found guilty on charges of entering the Kruger National Park without permission, rhino poaching, possession of a firearm whose serial number has been filed off, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of a firearm for the commission of a crime.
Armed confrontation with rangers
According to Monica Nyuswa, spokesperson for the NPA, the incident already took place on 14 June 2017 in the Stolzneck section of the Kruger National Park.
“Rangers from the Kruger National Park were busy on patrols when they came across three suspects who were wearing camouflage clothing. One of the suspects, who was armed with a firearm, opened fire on the rangers,” says Nyuswa.
“The rangers fired back. Mathebula was wounded during the shooting, while her two accomplices fled the scene.”
Nyuswa says the rangers investigated the scene after the shooting and discovered important evidence.
“They found a firearm next to the accused, as well as a bag with rhino horns and other weapons in it. A rhino carcass was also discovered near the scene.”
Mathebula was arrested shortly afterwards and later released on bail.
DNA and ballistics strengthened case
Mathebula denied the allegations against him during the trial, but the state presented strong evidence, according to Nyuswa.
“Lot Mgiba, the public prosecutor, presented convincing evidence, including the testimony of the rangers who apprehended the accused, DNA evidence linking the rhinoceros horns to the carcass, as well as a ballistics report which confirmed that the bullet removed from the carcass was from the firearm found in the accused’s possession.”
The court eventually found Mathebula guilty on all charges.
Court imposes heavy penalties
The court sentenced Mathebula to two years in prison for entering the wildlife park, ten years for rhino poaching, eight years for possession of a firearm with a filed serial number, six years for illegal possession of a firearm, two years for possession of ammunition, one year for possession of a dangerous weapon, four years for conspiracy to commit a crime and five years for possession of a firearm for the commission of a crime.
The court ordered that several of the sentences be served concurrently, meaning that Mathebula will effectively serve 20 years of direct imprisonment.
The court also declared him incompetent to own a firearm.
‘Wild crime has devastating consequences’
Nyuswa says the NPA remains committed to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting South Africa’s wildlife for future generations.
“Poaching has devastating effects on the environment and society. The illegal killing of species such as rhinos threatens biodiversity, drives endangered wildlife closer to extinction and feeds organized crime, corruption and illegal trade.”
She says these crimes ultimately also undermine the rule of law and the safety of communities.
“The NPA remains committed to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting South Africa’s wildlife for future generations,” says Nyuswa.