SANParks welcomes hefty sentence for rhino poacher
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has welcomed the sentence handed down to a rhino poacher by the Skukuza Regional Court in Limpopo.
The 39-year-old Mike Nyathi was convicted on 12 counts linked to poaching.
He's sentenced to 53 years imprisonment but will serve 23 years as some sentences run concurrently.
Nyathi was first arrested in 2017 by rangers after being spotted not far from the rhino he had shot with his co-accused.
They were granted bail but failed to appear in court.
Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park Gareth Coleman says the co-accused is still at large.
"In 2019 he was arrested by rangers in the Sitara section who was following the spoor.
“He was found hiding next to a heavy calibre hunting rifle. The two cases were then combined and justice was served we commend the work done by the rangers, National Prosecuting Authority and the SAPS for a job well done.”
