On January 24, the Skukuza Regional Court handed down lengthy sentences to two men for rhino poaching-related offences, while a third received a four-year sentence.

Sam Khosa (40) and Oddis Maluleke (46), a South African and a Mozambican national, were sentenced to 34 years each, but with some sentences running concurrently, they will serve 22 years in prison. Solly Bennett Selahle (30), another South African, was sentenced to four years for conspiracy to commit a crime.

The men were arrested on February 15, 2019, inside the Kruger National Park, along with field ranger Phillip Gumede (39), who later passed away during the trial. The group was intercepted while traveling in a VW Polo and a Hyundai between Skukuza and the Kruger Gate.

A search of the Hyundai led to the discovery of a hunting rifle, ammunition, a rhino horn, two knives, and clothing items, according to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. The arrest was a joint effort involving SANParks, SAPS, SANDF, and K9 handlers, with support from a SANParks helicopter.

The three men faced nine charges, including trespassing, possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal hunting of a rhino, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The court ruled that at least five charges would run concurrently, reducing Khosa and Maluleke’s sentence to an effective 22 years behind bars. Meanwhile, the two Mozambican nationals were not convicted under the Immigration Act.