The Skukuza Regional Court handed Sipho Titus Khosa (34) a sentence of 34 years imprisonment on Friday, 18 November 2022.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
Khosa was sentenced on 13 counts which included trespassing, the illegal killing of a rhino and illegal possession of a firearm.
According to a statement by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, the sentence stems from two poaching incidents in 2016. In one incident, a section ranger reportedly received information about two poachers who were seen entering the Kruger National Park through the Stolznek area on 27 September 2016.
‘Other field rangers were immediately activated and a search began,’ said provincial spokesperson Selvy Mohlala. ‘Two choppers were also sanctioned and played a vital role as the exercise enabled the team to spot the two males hiding in the thick bushes.’
Once in custody, the perpetrators were found to be in possession of two rhino horns, a hunting rifle fitted with a silencer, a magazine loaded with eleven live ammunition as well as two extra magazines, an axe as well as a backpack with food.
‘Khosa was the only one sentenced due to the fact that his co-accused in the first incident never pitched up in court after being granted bail,’ said Mohlala.
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