The Eastern Cape High Court sentenced a gang of six rhino poachers to heavy prison terms ranging from 16 to 20 years on Thursday.
The regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali informed the press that the six men were found guilty of conspiracy to commit the theft of rhino horn in the Makhanda region and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
“They obtained a 375 caliber shotgun without a license, which was fitted with a silencer to suppress the sound of gunshots, to avoid detection during their illegal hunt”, he said, noting that on the afternoon of their arrest, the defendants traveled in two vehicles to the Makhanda region, where there are numerous hunting reserves that are home to rhino populations.
An anti-poaching team patrolling the region arrested the criminals before they reached their destination. Mr. Tyali reported that the team found two axes, knives, and mobile phones inside the vehicles, and a dismantled shotgun hidden in the tailgate of one of the vehicles.
According to official figures, a total of 440 rhinos were killed in South Africa for their horns in 2022, compared with 443 in 2021.