Three suspects slapped with heavy sentences for rhino poaching

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

The Skukuza Regional Court has sentenced three poachers to substantial prison terms for their involvement in illegal activities in Kruger National Park.

Sam Khosa(South African), Oddis Maluleke,(Mozambican) and Solly Selahle(South African), were found guilty of various charges related to poaching.

A former SANParks employee, Phillip Gumede, who was the fourth suspect in the case, reportedly passed away before the trial resumed.

The multiple charges levelled against the accused include; Trespassing in a National Park, Undocumented Immigration, Possession of unlicensed firearm, Possession of firearm with intent to commit crime, Illegal hunting of rhinoceros, Possession of unlicensed ammunitions, Possession of dangerous weapon.

Khosa and Maluleke received 22-year prison sentences, with some sentences running concurrently, while Selahle was sentenced to four years for Conspiracy to commit crime. The sentence was handed down on Friday  24 January 2025.

The three were reportedly arrested in February 2019 after a tip-off led to a surveillance operation by the Skukuza Regional Ranger.

According to Kruger National Park Communications and Marketing Manager, Ike Phaahla, two poachers were spotted while headed towards Skukuza inside a car driven by Gumede, who was in full rangers uniform. A second car reportedly driven by Selahle was also spotted as he joined the three suspects at a gymnasium.

“ The Regional Ranger called for back up whilst the quartet were at the gymnasium. They were then observed getting into two vehicles departing from the gymnasium and driving towards Paul Kruger Gate. Phillip Gumede was alone in a vehicle whilst Solly Selahle was with Sam Khosa and Oddis Maluleke in another vehicle,” said Phaahla.

He said the two vehicles were intercepted between Skukuza and Paul Kruger Gate. Poaching equipment and a set of rhino horns were reportedly discovered in the vehicle driven by Gumede.

“ The four were arrested and detained at Skukuza Police Station. All four appeared at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court where they were granted bail. The three remaining accused were found guilty by the Skukuza Regional Court on 16 January 2025,” said Phaahla.

SAPNParks(South African National Parks) has welcomed the stiff sentences handed to the three accused.