Poacher, Freedom Ndlovu handed a 32-year sentence for offences

A 32-year-old poacher, Freedom Siyabonga Ndlovu, was sentenced to 32 years of direct imprisonment for offences related to poaching by the Skukuza Regional Court. The accused had a hand in the killing of three rhinos.

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RHINO POACHER SENTENCED

Ndlovu was convicted of trespassing in Skukuza National Park, three counts of killing rhinos, possessing a firearm, a dangerous weapon and ammunition, and conspiracy to commit an offence.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Monica Nyuswa, said Ndlovu was initially arrested on 4 November 2016 when Skukuza National Park rangers received a tip-off about poachers spotted in the Stelznek Section.

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The rangers headed to the scene and found Ndlovu, Alberto Valoyi and Fanwell Ndobe. The men had a hunting rifle, an axe and six fresh rhino horns in their possession.

“They were all subsequently arrested. Ndobe and Ndlovu absconded after the court granted them bail, and Valoyi was convicted and sentenced,” said Nyuswa.

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REGIONAL COURT FINDS FREEDOM NDLOVU GUILTY AS CHARGED

Ndlovu was eventually recaptured, but Ndobe remains at large. He denied all allegations against him during the trial.

State prosecutor Lot Mgiba led evidence from rangers, police and subject matter experts, and convinced the court that the bullets found in the rhino carcasses were fired by the rifle found in the accused’s possession.

“Magistrate Ngobeni found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced him to 32 years of direct imprisonment,” said the NPA spokesperson.

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