A STRONG message was sent out on Friday when two cheetah poachers were sentenced in the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court.
Bhekuyisa Ndlovu, identified as the main hunter, was sentenced to five years imprisonment, and Mkhumbuzeni Mathenjwa was ordered to pay a fine of R4 000 or serve 12 months in prison.
The unemployed Ndllovu (41) pleaded guilty before magistrate Velengaziwa Mkhwanazi to illegally hunting two cheetahs on 19 June 2013, catching them in wire snares in the uMkhuze Game Reserve section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Mathenjwa (36) pleaded not guilty to the same charges, but was found guilty.
Both accused were represented by an attorney from the Legal Aid Board.
The State was represented by Advocate W Smit from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions KZN – Organized Crime Office.
In aggravation, Smit told the court only 900 cheetah remain in the wild in South Africa.
Following their death by snare, the cats were skinned and their pelts handed to the homestead of a local leader.
iSimangaliso Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis welcomed the convictions and praised investigators and dedicated staff.
