Mozambique successfully convicts, sentences 2 rhino poachers

© Bryan Busovicki – 123RF.com

The two from Mapai District in Gaza Province were sentenced to 17 and 16 years in prison respectively for the crime of slaughtering protected animals, illegal possession of unlicensed weapons, and illegal possession of ammunition. The sentencing also includes a 28-months fine, 5% minimum wage, payment of 300 state minimum wages, and compensation to the park for damages caused.

The historic conviction and sentence is the first in Mozambique since the scourge of rhino poaching emerged in 2008 leading to an MOU between South Africa and that country to counter illegal wildlife crime.

The investigation was in collaboration with the SANParks Environmental Crime Investigative Unit in Phalaborwa.

SANParks chief executive and Kruger National Park (KNP) acting managing executive Fundisile Mketeni has applauded the sentencing with the emphasis that if we work together we could curb the poaching scourge.

“Some of the people we arrest in the Kruger National Park for poaching are from Mozambique. It gives one so much hope to note that the authorities in that country are taking the fight against poaching seriously. We also note that this is the first conviction and sentencing of rhino poaching in Mozambique since 2008 and we congratulate and encourage them for ensuring that justice is prevalent in this fight,” said Mketeni.