By Kopano Dibakwane
Simon Fenias Mbombi, a 63-year-old Mozambican national residing in Limpopo, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for poaching-related offences.
The sentence was handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court on Friday, 31 January 2025. Mbombi’s troubles began on 9 July 2016, when Field Rangers from SANPARKS received a tip about possible poachers in the Matjulwane area of the Kruger National Park.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the court heard that a helicopter and dog handler were summoned to assist in apprehending the suspects. One suspect reportedly escaped by running into a herd of elephants, while Mbombi was caught and found to be in possession of a hunting rifle, live ammunition, and an axe.
“ The man was charged accordingly and the state presented a watertight case against him, hence he was convicted and sentenced,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
The court sentenced Mbombi to various terms of imprisonment for six different counts, including trespassing, conspiracy to commit crime, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of a firearm with intention to commit crime.
The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 12-year prison term.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence and applauded the collaborative efforts of SANPARKS(South African National Parks), Detectives from the SAPS(South African Police Service), the Prosecution team, and the Judiciary in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
