THREE men involved in rhino poaching were convicted and sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison or the option of paying a total of R256 000 in fines.
The accused were charged on three counts, namely conspiracy to hunt a rhino, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition without a permit.
Thogo Zwane was found guilty on all three counts and sentenced to nine years in prison or a R96 000 fine.
Sipho Hlope and Zakhele Khumalo were both found guilty on the first count of conspiring to hunt a rhino and each sentenced to four years in prison or a R80 000 fine each.
‘We accept any conviction relating to rhino poaching,’ said David Mabunda, Acting CEO of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
‘We appreciate the co-operation and hard work by government departments and law enforcement officials to bring rhino poachers to book.’
These convictions are positive in light of recent atrocities that occurred in three of the province’s game reserves last week.
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