The South African Police Service (SAPS) is ecstatic for the hefty sentences handed down on two rhino poaching accused in the Nelspruit Regional court.
The two accused, Ali Nkuna and Gerson Cosa were caught in the Kruger National Park on 3 June 2011 after they shot a cow and its calf Nwanetsi in the park the same day.
Both men were investigated for the following charges and were subsequently found guilty on 23 August 2012 as follows:-
- Count 1 - Being illegally in South Africa: accused 1 guilty, accused 2 Not guilty.
- Count 2 – Trespassing in the Kruger National Park without a permit: both guilty.
- Count 3 – Hunting a rhino cow: both guilty.
- Count 4 – Hunting a rhino calf: both guilty.
- Count 5 – Theft of rhino horns (was deemed a duplication of charges): both not guilty.
- Count 6 – Possession of hunting rifles: both guilty, and
- Count 7 – Possession of ammunition: both guilty.
Accused 1 was handed an effective 29 years and 3 months imprisonment while accused 2 was sentenced to an effective 29 years imprisonment.
The team of SAPS investigators, the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), SANParks forensic experts that have contributed with DNA and expert evidence made these convictions and sentences possible. They must all be applauded for their sterling work.
These are the longest effective sentences handed down on accused for rhino poaching after only one accused received an effective 25 year sentence about two years ago. The sentences handed down on Nkuna and Cosa today does not only set a precedent for such future cases but this gives us greater hope that such lengthy sentences will help tremendously in our integrated efforts to prevent rhinos from being poached.
Enquiries:
Vishnu Naidoo
Office: 012 400 6573
Cell: 082 567 4153
Fax: 012 400 7018
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
