Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

[Sprocky]

2013-11-06 22:07

Johannesburg - Charges of trespassing and illegal game hunting against an Mpumalanga man were temporarily withdrawn by the Malelane Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, police said.

This was done because Sabelo Maphungla, 28, was in a critical condition in hospital, said spokespersonLeonard Hlathi.

Maphungla was shot in the head in September while driving a bakkie in the Mauricedale game reserve, he said.

His passengers Siso Nkhosi, 28, and Jabo Dlamini, 38, were charged with trespassing, illegal game hunting and possession of game.

They appeared in court on Wednesday, when the case was postponed to 11 December for further investigation.

Richard Hume, 31, the son of rhino and buffalo breeder John Hume, has been charged with the attempted murder of Maphungla.

He was arrested in September and was out on bail, said Hlathi. He would appear again in the Malelane Magistrate's Court on 8 January.

- SAPA

[Sprocky]

Date: 20th November 2013

The South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the arrest of three suspected poachers in the world-famous Kruger National Park, on Tuesday the 19 November 2013.

The first arrest took place in Kingfisherspruit when patrolling rangers made contact with three suspected poachers. There was a shootout and one of the suspects was arrested while his two accomplices managed to evade arrest by escaping into the fading light.

In the second incident, rangers in the Lower Sabie region made contact with three suspected poachers. In the ensuing fire fight, two of the suspects were wounded and arrested after backing from the SANDF air support. The third managed to evade arrest and investigations are continuing. Poaching equipment and an axe were recovered and the search is underway for the firearm.

The park is home to the biggest rhino population living in the wild, in the world. The park has been under tremendous pressure from illegal hunters and has already lost over five hundred of these magnificent animals to poachers this year alone.

Congratulating his men on a job well done, the Commanding Officer SANParks, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said he is glad that the dedication from his team is not wearing thin and that they continue making inroads. “Every individual we arrest, and all the weaponry we confiscate from the syndicates, gives us more energy and hope that one day, we will overcome this war and save our natural heritage,” concluded Jooste.

Issued by:
South African National Park (SANParks) Corporate Communications

Enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

Ike Phaahla
Media Specialist
Tel: 012 426 5315; Cell: 083 673 6974
Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

[Richprins]

"Big Joe" Nyalunga's stuff has been carrying on down here for almost two years...no news of late...

Nyalunga's case was in one of the local papers again yesterday...postponed for months! Also, another poacher killed over the weekend.

[H. erectus]

Morbid as may be,'killing poachers' seems to be on the increase!!

Well done to those!!!

[Richprins]

They know full-well they will get killed, H.!


Their choice, and agreed!

[Sprocky]

They know full-well they will get killed, H.!


Their choice, and agreed!

Exactly!!!! And, if they knew how many of their buddies are still lying in the bush they would think twice about plying their trade.

[Flutterby]

SANParks rangers neutralise more suspected poachers

Date: 24th November 2013

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Rangers emerged on top this week in the Kruger National Park (KNP). The year-end spike in poaching activities kept the rangers SAPS and their Mozambican counterparts busy from Sunday the 17 November 2013.

The activities both inside the KNP and within the adjacent areas to the west of the park and along the eastern boundary within Mozambique this week led to seventeen suspected poachers arrested and a further four fatally wounded in the Park. The incidents occurred in various parts of the Park including Kingfisherspruit, Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie, Letaba, Mooiplaas and in adjacent areas along the boundary

Commenting on this week’s activities, Officer Commanding, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said this is a typical year end spike and his men were prepared for it. He further explained that the suspects are more relentless “they don’t only resist arrest but adopt an offensive and aggressive attitude when confronted by Rangers who then have to defend themselves”. He congratulated his troops for their bravery and praised his SAPS and Mozambican partners for the successes obtained this week.

The arrests this week bring the total for 2013 to 117 individuals in the KNP. The KNP has lost 521 animals this year.

Enquiries:
Ike Phaahla
Media Specialist
Tel:012 426 5315; Cell :083 673 6974
Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

[Richprins]

“they don’t only resist arrest but adopt an offensive and aggressive attitude when confronted by Rangers who then have to defend themselves”.

[mposthumus]

[Penga Ndlovu]

The arrests this week bring the total for 2013 to 117 individuals in the KNP. The KNP has lost 521 animals this year.

So it is 4.45 killed Rhino's for every one arrest they have made.