South African News: Two people sentenced to 44 years in prison for rhino poaching
The Zeerust Magistrate's Court, North West, sentenced two men to 44 years in prison, each for killing rhinos and other offenses.
Alfredo Sitoe, 43, and Thomas Mlambo, 46, were found guilty of possession of four rhino horns, rhino poaching, trespassing and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Some of the sentences will run concurrently, meaning men will only serve 12 years in prison.
Other charges against one of the suspects have been dropped.
According to the report, the sentencing of Sitoe and Mlambo follows their arrest along with three other people while boarding a minibus at Nietverdiend outside Zeerust in October last year.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said the suspect's car was spotted by Madikwe's soldiers, who approached him. When he saw the crew, the truck sped off, chasing the car, "he said.
According to police, the minibus was eventually stopped, and police were called.
said Funani., During the investigation, an illegal firearm and rhino horns wrapped in foil were found ... in black plastic. Police also found an ax, a pistol, ammunition, a knife and a machete. The suspects were arrested after failing to defend themselves. "
added Funani., Another man was lucky enough to escape before being arrested and Thomas Chauke escaped before appearing in court in November last year.
North West police commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit for working with animal keepers to ensure the men were arrested and sentenced.
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