Three foreign nationals have been sentenced to 12 years in prison for their role in a poaching plot targeting South Africa’s protected rhino population.

The trio appeared in the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Makhanda on Tuesday, where sentencing was handed down.

Chigaweni (36), Thomas Joao Machele (53) and Amos Ncube (44) were found guilty of conspiracy to poach rhino horn, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and entry illegal in South Africa.

Trial

During the trial, the court heard that on July 31, 2018, the trio traveled together from Gqeberha to the Bedford area in a borrowed vehicle, carrying an unlicensed firearm and various equipment with the aim of poaching rhinos and to remove their horns in Ezulu. Game reserve located between Bedford and Makhanda.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said none of the accused had a license to possess the firearm.

“The trio were intercepted during a routine roadblock on the R63 trunk road near Bedford, where police discovered a concealed shotgun wrapped in brown cloth behind the driver’s seat.

“Additional tools, including a silencer, ammunition, a hunting knife, a saw, an axe, a slasher, a torch and aluminum foil, were found in the trunk of the vehicle, alongside several cell phones . The equipment matched what would be needed to poach rhinos and remove their horns,” Tiyali said.

ALSO READ: Rhino poachers sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing black rhinos

Welcome convictions

Tiyali said the accused pleaded not guilty during the trial.

“Attorney Johannes Coetzee, on behalf of the State, presented the testimony of the police officers who carried out the roadblock where the defendants were apprehended, thereby establishing the defendant’s involvement in the poaching scheme.”

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo praised the dedication of the prosecution team and police officers for their role in securing the convictions.

“This conviction highlights the seriousness with which our courts view wildlife crimes and sends a clear message that poaching and associated crimes will not be tolerated in South Africa.

“We remain committed to protecting our endangered species and holding accountable those who threaten our natural heritage for personal gain,” Madolo said.

South African rhino

According to the National Environment and Biodiversity Management Act, 10 of 2004 (NEMBA), all rhinos in South Africa are classified as protected and endangered species, making it illegal to hunt, possession or trade in rhino parts without authorization.

Eastern Cape game reserves, such as Makhanda and Bedford, are home to significant rhino populations, which have been severely affected by poaching.

Authorities said Chigaweni, Machele and Ncube were part of a coordinated group aiming to kill rhinos and sell their horns on the black market.

ALSO READ: Cut off horns, hope: the harsh truth behind rhino dehorning