Rhino poacher sentenced to 52 years behind bars
The Skukuza Regional Court has sentenced a convicted rhino poacher to a total of 52 years in prison,
Sipho Khoza was sentenced by the court on Friday.
Khoza was arrested in the Kruger National Park in September and again in December 2016 in the Stolznek section.
In a statement on Sunday, SANParks said Khoza was arrested in the Kruger National Park in September 2016 and later released on bail.
He was arrested for a second time in the Stolznek section in December 2016.
"In September 2016, rangers followed a spoor which led them to two people who were found in possession of a heavy calibre hunting rifle, ammunition, and poaching equipment. They were identified as Sipho Titus Khoza and Simon Khoza.
"The two were charged and appeared in court to apply for bail which was granted. When they were supposed to go to trial, Simon Khoza absconded and is still at large.
"During December 2016, rangers in Stolznek heard shots while on patrol and made a follow up, they then spotted three individuals whom they apprehended after giving chase. It was later established that the three had killed two rhinos for their horns. The suspects were identified as Sipho Titus Khoza, Francisco Mlambo and Sam Lejane.
"During their bail application, Mlambo and Lejane were granted bail and absconded, leaving Khoza to face the music," says SanParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla.
Khoza is set to serve 34 years as some of his sentences will run concurrently.
ALSO READ
