South African National Parks (SANParks) celebrated a significant victory in the fight against rhino poaching as the Skukuza Regional Court convicted three notorious poachers: Dominic Mnisi, Lwazi Malambe, and Ayanda Ngomane. The trio, now awaiting sentencing scheduled for June 21, 2024, remain in custody.

Mnisi and Malambe were initially apprehended in January 2017 at Stolsnek, caught red-handed with a rifle, ammunition, and four fresh rhino horns. These horns were quickly linked to two recently killed white rhinos found nearby. Despite the severity of their crimes, the pair were granted bail during a formal bail application.

In October 2019, the poachers’ actions caught up with them again. Field rangers in the Malelane Section, responding to gunshots, discovered the remains of a freshly killed rhino with its horns removed. A subsequent search, aided by a tracker dog, led to the capture of Mnisi—still out on bail—and Ayanda Ngomane. This time, they were found with a rifle, ammunition, a knife, and two rhino horns.

The Skukuza Regional Court combined both cases for trial, which commenced in July 2023. After months of deliberation, the court reached a verdict on May 23, 2024, convicting the three men on multiple counts.

In the 2019 case, Dominic Mnisi and Ayanda Ngomane were found guilty of trespassing in a national park, hunting rhinos in a national park, possessing an unlicensed firearm, conspiring to commit a crime, possessing a firearm with the intention to commit a crime, possessing unlicensed ammunition, and cruelty to animals.

For the 2017 case, Dominic Mnisi and Lwazi Malambe were convicted of possessing an unlicensed firearm, possessing a firearm with the intention to commit a crime, hunting an adult rhino, hunting a sub-adult rhino, possessing a prohibited firearm with no serial number, conspiring to commit a crime, possessing unlicensed ammunition, and possessing a dangerous weapon.

SANParks has expressed immense satisfaction with the court’s decision, seeing it as a crucial step in protecting South Africa’s endangered rhino population. This conviction serves as a stern warning to poachers and underscores the effectiveness of SANParks’ anti-poaching initiatives.

In a statement, SANParks reiterated their commitment to preserving wildlife and ensuring that those who threaten it are brought to justice. The organization continues to work tirelessly, alongside law enforcement and conservation partners, to combat the scourge of poaching that endangers the nation’s natural heritage.

As the sentencing date approaches, there is hope that the court’s decision will serve as a deterrent to others involved in wildlife crimes. The convicted poachers now face the possibility of severe penalties, reflecting the seriousness of their offenses and the devastating impact of their actions on South Africa’s rhino population.