Rhino poacher gets 7-digit fine

The 57-year old game farmer from Limpopo, was convicted and sentenced in the Lephalale Regional Court after an investigation by the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Endangered Species Unit.

According to provincial police spokesperson, Motlafela Mojapelo, the case was reported in January 2017.

"The accused was convicted and sentenced on charges of hunting of specially protected animals without permit, possession/donation of rhino parts without permit and selling of rhino meat without permit," says Mojapelo.

Mojapelo says police suspect that rhino horns might have been taken to other destinations after a helicopter was seen in the vicinity.

"The Provincial Commissioner has commended all members who were involved in these investigations and urged them to leave no stone unturned until all those who received the rhino horns are also arrested."