The Thabazimbi Regional Court has meted out a lengthy imprisonment sentence to four accused at the ages of between 35 and 45, on Tuesday, 06 February 2024.
The Court heard that the four accused, Amos Moyane (45), Senzo Tshabalala (35), Mandla Mbosheni (37) and Edias Chippa (45) were among a group of suspects that were to poach rhinos at Lephalale policing area. On the same day, on 30 October 2021, the suspects were arrested for conspiracy to poach Rhino and possession of firearms and ammunition without license at Hoopdal policing area, following a tipoff. During the arrest members of Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), Thabazimbi Reservists and Hoopdal Police recovered firearms, ammunition, silencer and knives.
Further investigations , suspect’s were linked through DNA with Rhino poaching case that occurred at Gravelotte policing area.
The accused, Amos Moyane (45), Senzo Tshabalala (35), Mandla Mbosheni (37), and Edias Chippa (45) were sentenced 15 years effective as follows:
Count 1: Conspiracy to hunt and shoot rhinos, dehorn them with the intention to sell their horns, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Count 2: Hunting of a specially protected animal, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Count 3: Prohibited acts regarding wild and alien animals, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Count 4: Prohibited acts relating to firearms, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Count 5: Possession of prohibited firearms, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 7: Possession of ammunition to 10 years imprisonment.
Count 10: Possession of dangerous weapons, sentenced to 05 years imprisonment.
Count 11: Entering the Republic of South Africa without a valid passport and in any place other than a port of entry, sentenced to 90 days imprisonment.
Senzo Tshabalala (35) and Edias Chippa (45) were further sentenced to 90 days imprisonment for Count 12: Entering, staying in the Republic of South Africa without a valid passport or any legal document to justify the stay.
The sentencing in counts 1,2,3,4,5,7,10 and 11 shall run concurrently in respect of accused 1 and 3.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has praised the team for working relentlessly in pursuant to ensure that these criminals are sent to jail.
