Rhino poachers get 44 years imprisonment

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Police have launched manhunt for two suspects involved in illegal possession of rhino horns and unlicensed firearms.

A 43 years old Alfredo Sitoe and 46 years old Thomas Mlambo were arrested while driving in a minibus at Nietverdiend, outside Zeerust on Wednesday, 20 October 2021. Their vehicle was spotted by Madikwe game rangers who immediately approached it.

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said that the now convicts attempted to flee after short chase ensued between the rangers and them but they were eventually brought to a halt.

Police were called to the scene shortly after they were halted.

“During the search, unlicensed firearm and rhino horns wrapped with a foil paper were found inside a black plastic bag. The police also found an axe, one rifle, two ammunition, a knife and a silencer. The suspects were arrested after failing to account for the possession.”

Colonel Funani also said that unfortunately one escaped before detention while Chauke escaped before his court appearance.

Zeerust Magistrates Court on Thursday handed down a 44 years imprisonment each for illegal possession of four rhino horns, rhino poaching, trespassing and possession of unlicensed firearm whereas charges against the third accused were withdrawn. Due to some of the sentences running concurrently, the duo will serve 12 years direct imprisonment.

“The police urge anyone who might have information about the pair’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The pair was upon being sentenced, also declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000)” said Colonel Funani.