News

South African National Parks (SANParks) today welcomed the conviction of three poachers namely, Dominic Mnisi, Lwazi Malambe and Ayanda Ngomane by the Skukuza Regional Court. They were remanded in custody until sentencing which is scheduled for 21 June 2024.

Mnisi and Malambe were arrested in January 2017 at Stolsnek after they were found in possession of a rifle, ammunition and four fresh rhino horns, which were later linked to two freshly killed white rhino found not far from where the accused were apprehended. The two were granted bail during a formal bail application.

In October 2019, field rangers at Malelane Section followed up on the gunshots and recovered the remains of a freshly killed rhino with horns removed. Upon follow-up with the assistance of a tracker dog, the team apprehended Mnisi (who was out on bail after having been arrested in 2017 at Stolsnek Section) and Ayanda Ngomane. The two were found in possession of a rifle, ammunition, knife and two rhino horns.

Both cases were transferred to Skukuza Regional Court for a combined trial, which began in July 2023 and ended with their conviction on 23 May 2024. The three have been found guilty on counts as follows:

Dominic Mnisi and Ayanda Ngomane have been convicted for the 2019 case as follows:

1. Trespassing in a National Park
2. Hunting of rhino in a National Park
3. Possession of an unlicensed firearm
4. Conspiracy to commit a crime.
5. Possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime.
6. Possession of unlicensed ammunition
7. Cruelty to animal

Dominic Mnisi and Lwazi Malambe have been convicted for the 2017 case as follows:

1. Possession of an unlicensed firearm Possession of a firearm with the intention to commit a crime.
2. Hunting of rhino (adult)
3. Hunting of rhino (sub-adult)
4. Possession of a prohibited firearm (no serial number)
5. Conspiracy to commit a crime.
6. Possession of unlicensed ammunition
7. Possession of a dangerous weapon