Would-be poacher bags jail time
The hefty sentence sends out a clear message to all poachers
IN a clear message sent out to poachers and all those considering the crime, a suspect was on Wednesday sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of a hunting rifle and live ammunition.
Musa Sibiya (36) from Nongoma was arrested last October by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife field rangers inside uMkhuze Game Reserve. To run concurrently with the 10 year sentence, Sibiya was sentenced to a further two years for trespassing.
During the trial at Pongola Regional Court, evidence established that Sibiya and an unknown companion, who evaded apprehension, had unlawfully entered uMkhuze Game Reserve and was arrested by field rangers.
In his possession were a high powered hunting rifle and silencer, nine live rounds of ammunition, an axe, a hacksaw and binoculars. These are typically used in the poaching of black and white rhino.
‘The black rhino population in iSimangaliso’s uMkhuze section is original, making it one of the most genetically valuable black rhino populations globally,’ said iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis after sentencing.
Black rhino are categorised as rare and endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning they could become extinct in our lifetime.
‘Effective law enforcement is a critical part of our campaign to save these rhino. This conviction resulted from the good work of Ezemvelo rangers under very challenging conditions.
‘Two more uMkhuze poaching cases resulting from Ezemvelo rangers’ effectiveness are currently on the roll, one for rhino poaching and another for other game,’ concluded Zaloumis.
