Mpumalanga court slaps rhino poacher with 17-year sentence
The Skukuza Regional Court in Mpumalanga has sentenced a convicted poacher to 17 years behind bars.
Mbongeni Ngobeni was arrested by field rangers in the Kruger National Park in June 2016.
At the time of his arrest he was in posession of a hunting rifle.
The accused was granted bail in March 2019 but failed to appear for his trial, a warrant of arrest was issued for him, and he was arrested in December 2023.
He was convicted and sentenced Thursday.
South African National Parks spokesperson Ike Phaahla says they hope the sentencing of a convicted rhino poacher will send a strong message to other poachers.
"It was stated in court that the accused was arrested by field rangers who followed up on gun shots that were heard, and spoor discovered next to a freshly killed rhino carcass.
"During the follow up with the assistance of the K9 Unit, contact was made, and the convicted poacher was arrested and found in possession of a high calibre hunting rifle whilst two of his accomplices managed to evade arrest."
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