Rhino poaching is on the top of the docket list in the North West, two criminals received 58-year sentences and five others were arrested in connection with poaching-related crimes.
The North West courts are taking a strong stance against Rhino poaching. The Lephalale Regional Court recently sentenced two convicted rhino poachers to 58-years in prison, each.
The sentence was praised by the Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa.
“The sentences handed down by the Lephalale Regional Court and the swift actions of North West police in arresting five people trying to sell ivory in Rustenburg is to be commended.
“This is further proof the Integrated Strategic Management Approach adopted by government to combat rhino poaching and which is now also being applied to addressing other wildlife crimes such as ivory smuggling, is bearing fruit,”
The two rhino poachers, Kenny Mthethi (35) and Sam None (34) were each sentenced to 58 years imprisonment. Their charges ranged from hunting a protected species, theft, trespassing and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The men were found to be in possession of two rhino horns, a hunting rifle and four rounds of ammunition. They were caught during a joint operation by police and local farmers.
In a separate case, a further five people have been arrested after a tip-off from the public came in about the alleged illegal sale of ivory. The people were found in Lefaragatlha near Rustenburg. This is welcoming news, especially since the UK has also taken a strong stance against ivory ownership.
“The cases in which the public were involved should serve as an example to all that working together more can be achieved,” -Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa
This is all brilliant news. It is great to see that government is helping fight rhino and other wildlife poaching.
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