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Conservation activists have threatened to push for a global boycott on South African products if the government does not immediately stop all trade in rhino horn. Photo: Jennifer Bruce
Johannesburg - Three rhino poachers were sentenced to 25 years each by the Phalaborwa Regional Court on Tuesday, said a spokesperson from SANParks (South African National Parks).
The three - all Mozambican citizens - were found guilty of illegally hunting rhino in the Kruger National Park in July 2010.
SANParks CEO David Mabunda said the sentence was harsher than it had been in other similar cases.
“This is an indication that, as a country, we are taking more stringent measures in the fight against rhino poaching,” he said.
Aselmo Baloyi, Jawaki Nkuna and Ismael Baloy were also found guilty of possessing an illegal firearm (an automatic rifle), possession of a firearm (a hunting rifle) and possession of ammunition.
They were caught with two freshly chopped rhino horns, an assault rifle, a hunting rifle and an axe.
Mabunda said that last year 232 suspected poachers were arrested, including 26 who died in fights with the authorities. - Sapa
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Anonymous, wrote
a few guys drivin by poverty where caught doing the dirty work. Where are the kingpins? Probably back in China land counting their money whilst planning the next slaughter.
Africanheart, wrote
"Extra game rangers will be deployed..." Will that happen before or after the 248 field rangers go on strike this coming Friday? Pay those men what they deserve for risking their lives to protect the wildlife!
Brian Isham, wrote
With it presently costing about R75000 a year to keep 1 person in prison these 3 poachers will cost us, the taxpayer R 5,6 million. Hanging them and investing this money in education might be a better solution.
James, wrote
Criminal who are doing this should be arrested & get a harsh sentence,because we are talking about threating speices which are different from impala.
Tumi, wrote
@WOW,like you said,its actualy two different cases.25 years is made up of,illegal weapons,ammunition etc.They are just two cases you cant compare
@baboona, wrote
How do you figure that legal hunting will stop the slaughter? The problem is simply one of demand exceeding supply. Surely all that legal hunting will do is hasten the extinction of the rhino? As it stands the current legal hunting is abused by poachers. In my limited understanding, the key factor is the success of lifting the ivory ban is that there were excess elephants that needed to be culled, so supply exceeded demand and legalising enabled the trade to be controlled and money from the sale of horns ploughed back into conservation. I don't think the same is true for rhino! Please help me understand how lifting the bas will save the rhino.
WOW, wrote
This is brilliant news, hope they get eaten alive by rats in prison. Having said that what I do not understand about our legal system is that these guys get 25years each, yesterday the guy that killed his own 2 year old son in a horrific manner got 13 years, is that right? (I know it is two different topics totally but just does not add up to me)
Jabberwocke, wrote
Bernice, wrote
Finally some justice for these magnificient creatures. May there dreams be filled with RHINO's chasing them all over the place. May this be a lesson to all those illiterate's out there.
John Shepherd, wrote
Nicely done, wrote
Ant, wrote
All convicted rhino poachers should be de-horned as well. There can be no bigger deterrent for a man. Maybe woman could have their nose removed.
baboona, wrote
Legalise the harvesting of those horns and all this bad stuff will go away. Why does nobody see this? Maybe all people involved like this "illegal" situation because that increases the price and the profits?! Now with harsher sentences dished out by the courts , the price just went up again!
Tokolosh, wrote
Garth, wrote
Good work I am glad, it's time that these idiots and their handlers get given long prision sentences
Ak, wrote
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