A convicted rhino poacher has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the poaching of 5 rhinos on the 26th of September 2020.
Skukuza, South Africa (09 October 2023) – Last week the Skukuza Regional Court sentenced a convicted poacher to a 30-year prison sentence. This ruling came after the arrest was made on the 26th of September 2020. The Managing Executive (ME) of the Kruger National Park, Oscar Mthimkhulu, thanked the role players who brought this poacher to justice.
In a press release shared by SANParks on behalf of the Kruger National Park, the poacher, who was named as Sidney Sibuyi, was found in the Stolznek Section of the Kruger National Park after shots were heard by field rangers. Sibuyi was part of a three-man team, tasked with illegally hunting and poaching rhinos in the park.
When the rangers heard the shot, they gave chase and while the other two poachers were able to escape. Sidney Sibuyi was not.
“Shots were heard by Field Rangers who reacted and gave chase. Sibuyi was arrested but his two accomplices managed to evade arrest and are still at large. A bag containing five fresh rhino horns and one heavy calibre rifle silencer were recovered close to the convicted poacher, however, the rifle and other poaching equipment was not found on him, indicating the two escapees had those in their possession.”
Sidney Sibuyi pled guilty to five charges:
1. Trespassing in a National Park
2. Hunting of rhinoceros
3. Hunting of rhinoceros
4. Hunting of rhinoceros
5. Conspiracy to commit a crime.
The court sentenced him to 1 – 2 years for “Trespassing in a National Park”, 10 years for each count of “Hunting of rhinoceros” and 4 years for “Conspiracy to commit a crime”. The 1st and 5th counts have been ordered to run concurrently with the “Hunting of rhinoceros” counts, thus meaning he will serve a total of 30 years in prison.
The Managing Executive (ME) of the KNP, Oscar Mthimkhulu congratulated the prosecution, the Ranger Corps, investigators, and the SAPS, saying,
“We are happy at this heavy sentence imposed by the court and hope it will send a strong message that wildlife crime is a serious matter and has lifelong consequences for those who are caught. Our mandate is to conserve and preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations and for people to mercilessly slaughter three at a go, indicates how callous these criminals are and they deserve these heavy sentences. Our enhanced security measures, dedicated rangers and police will ensure that people pay the price when they get caught inside KNP” concluded Mthimkhulu.
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