Caption: Convicted rhino poacher to serve 20 years in prison
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A 41-year-old Mozambican national, Nelson Sambo, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park on Thursday 24 April 2025.
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted Sambo in several charges, including trespassing, contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal hunting of rhinoceros, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, conspiracy to commit to a crime, and possession of a dangerous weapon.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Donald Mdhluli, Sambo and his accomplice-Gabriel Chauke(49), entered the Kruger National Park through the Stolznek Section. A chopper as well as dog handlers were reportedly dispatched after field rangers heard two gunshots emanating from the Stolznek Section.
“ The team tracked and cornered two males that were found in possession of two sets of rhino horns, a hunting rifles, twenty rounds of ammunition, as well as three knives,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
Sambo and Chauke reportedly appeared in the Bushbuckridge District Court and were granted bail. They are said to have absconded after making a few court appearances.
“ Warrants of arrest were issued for both suspects, although Nelson Sambo was later re-arrested by Skukuza members, with assistance of Skukuza ECI dedicated members, whilst Gabriel fled, probably to Mozambique and has not yet been located. Sambo was declared unfit to posses a firearm,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
