Rhino poachers sentenced to combined 105 years in prison
Three rhino poachers have been sentenced to a combined 105 years in prison on charges related to the killing of wild animals.
Shangani Mathebula, Emmanuel Mdhluli and Walter Hendrik Mangane were arrested in 2017 for killing three rhinos in Marula, the south section of the Kruger National Park.
“Whist handing out the sentences, the magistrate explained in detail the manner in which the three poachers killed three rhinos in execution style and were caught red handed whilst in the process of plundering the animals,” says SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla.
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Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park Gareth Coleman has welcomed the sentences handed down.
“These sentences should serve as a deterrent to those intending to come and kill our natural heritage and destroy the livelihoods of our people. We have in the past few months intensified our security efforts in the park to good effect but successful convictions require that the prosecutorial and justice pillars in our society are operating effectively.
“These sentences will motivate the teams who work tirelessly day and night to protect our fauna and flora. “
