Poaching

[Elsa]

SANParks staff members arrested on suspicion of *** poaching

South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the arrest of three staff members on 20 October 2020; in an extended Intel driven operation by SANParks, SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit, Sabi Sands and Skukuza SAPS Stock Theft Unit outside Kruger Gate. Two of the officials were employed as Security Guards and one was attached to Technical Services at one of the rest camps. The three were likely to appear in court on Thursday, 22 October 2020 and will thereafter be subjected to internal employee disciplinary procedures.

The arrest of the suspects followed after the law enforcement officials chased after their car, which was found with a fresh set of *** horns.

The Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park, Gareth Coleman stated that: "whilst not commenting on the merits or otherwise of this case, it is always disheartening when colleagues from SANParks are involved in criminal activities. It breaks down trust amongst employees which impacts on our responsibilities to act as an effective conservation authority serving the people of South Africa. Whilst they may succeed in the short term, history shows that they will eventually be caught and this will be at the expense of their employment, the well being of their families and community."

Between July and September 2020, the anti-poaching teams arrested 16 suspected poachers inside the Park and confiscated seven rifles. The teams also observed and followed-up on 410 poaching activities, sightings, spoors and camps in the last three months.

"SANParks remains committed to doing everything in its power to stop poaching and help secure the future of fauna and flora for sustainable use and for the benefit of future generations. We also take this opportunity to encourage members of the public and employees to report wildlife criminal activities on 013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679", concluded Coleman.

Investigations are on-going.

Issued by:
South African National Parks- Kruger National Park

Media enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, Cell: 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]

[Melaka]

It is hugely depressing when SAN Parks staff are found to be involved in this dreadful trade. It completely offsets the good work done by others in the July to September period.

[hilda]

This is shocking and very sad news! Thanks for posting Elsa.

[manicwalker]

Not Good....
The very people who are trusted to care for the wild life

[Elsa]

Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Reports Back on *** Poaching in South Africa in 2020

[Melaka]

That's most encouraging but the tally is still far too large. Maybe the reduction is one of the few plus points of Covid.

[Tamsy]

Thanks for sharing. It is encouraging to read. Last year I felt so sad at the immense scale of the fight, so its nice to see positive news. I agree with Maleka... this is a definite silver lining of the Covid pandemic. I think the environment is benefiting from the pandemic.... for now.

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[Elsa]

⚠️Conviction Announcement⚠️
Skukuza case 28/07/2018
Three accused persons were arrested on 2018-07-20 in the Houtboshrand Section of the KNP. Hunting rifle, axe as well as 4 x fresh rhinoceros horns were found in their possession. Case was finilised on 2021-02-23 in the Mhala RC after accused pleaded guilty.
Accused 1: Clement Mathebula
1. Illigal immegration - 1 year imprisonment
2. Trespassing in National Park - 4 years imprisonment
3. Possession of unlicensed firearms - 5 years imprisonment
4. Possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a crime - 6 years imprisonment
5. Possession of unlicensed ammunition - 2 years imprisonment
6. Possession of dangerous weapons - 1 year imprisonment
7. Hunting of threatened or protected animal nl. White rhinoceros - 10 years imprisonment
8. Hunting of a threatened or protected animal nl. White rhinoceros - 10 years imprisonment
Court ordered that sentence on count 1 run with count 2, count 3 run with count 4 and count 7 run count 8. Effective sentence of 23 years imprisonment. Accused also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Accused 2: Mustard Mathebula @ Valoyi
1. Illigal immigration - 1 year imprisonment
2. Trespassing in a National park - 4 years imprisonment
Court ordered that sentence in coun1 run with sentence on count 2. Effective sentence of 4 years imprisonment. Accused declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Accused 3: Artur Valoyi
1. Illigal immigration - 1 year imprisonment
2. Trespassing in a National park - 4 years imprisonment
Court ordered that sentence in coun1 run with sentence on count 2. Effective sentence of 4 years imprisonment. Accused declared unfit to possess a firearm.
IO : Cst. P Molapo

Link to FB

[Melaka]

That's encouraging. Of course these are only the foot soldiers of the poaching business. There are middlemen and others across the world making a fortune from the trade and they don't appear in court very often.

[hilda]

That's great! Thank you for posting Elsa!

[Tamsy]

Good to read.

Glad that some deterrents are in place.

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[Elsa]

SANParks praises NPA on successful convictions

South African National Parks (SANParks) today, 17 March 2021 commended the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga on the successful prosecution of two long-standing *** poaching trials in the Mhala Regional Court.

In February 2021, three accused persons who were arrested in August 2018 were sentenced after a long trial by the Mhala Regional Court. They were all found guilty of *** poaching related charges including possession of two sets of *** horns, a high calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and trespassing in a national park with the intention of committing a crime and the illegal hunting of an endangered animal.

Accused number one Peter Mathebula was given an effective sentence of 23 years behind bars while his two co-accused, Mustard Mathebula and Artur Valoyi were sentenced to an effective four years in jail.

The three were arrested by SANParks Rangers in the Houtboschrand Section of the Kruger National Park after reacting to shots that were fired.

On 15 March 2021, the court concluded yet another long-running *** poaching case dating back to 2016. Two accused persons Bennet Martin Lubisi and Bennet Johannes Bendane were sentenced to an effective eight years behind bars for poaching related charges. They were found guilty of trespassing in a national park, possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition with the intention to commit a crime. They were arrested before they could kill an animal.

The Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman, praised those who made the initial arrests, the investigative and prosecuting teams.

"Although it has taken some time, we are proud of the work done by the rangers, the investigating and prosecuting teams under very difficult circumstances. Successes of this nature show the importance of co-operation between the various state agencies to help combat the assault on the *** population in the Kruger National Park. We hope that the many outstanding cases can be concluded as soon as possible so as to act as a clear deterrent to those involved," concluded Coleman.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that cases will resume at the Skukuza Regional court as from 1 April 2021 onwards.

Issued by:
South African National Parks: Kruger National Park - Communications

Media enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell: 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]

[colbol]

Top job done by the prosecutor and team of rangers

Thanks Elsa

[barryels]

Thanks for the feedback Elsa .

[hilda]

Wonderful! Thanks for posting Elsa!