Zeerust Magistrates’ Court sentenced 2 men to 44 years’ imprisonment each for rhino poaching

The Zeerust Magistrates’ Court sentenced Alfredo Sitoe (43) and Thomas Mlambo (46), on Thursday, 14 April 2022, to 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horns, rhino poaching, trespassing and possession of unlicensed firearm whereas charges against the third accused were withdrawn.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.

Sitoe and Mlambo’s conviction came after they and three other suspects were arrested while driving in a minibus at Nietverdiend, outside Zeerust on Wednesday, 20 October 2021. The accused‘s vehicle was spotted by Madikwe game rangers who approached it.

Upon seeing the rangers’ vehicle, the minibus sped off leading to a car chase. The minibus was ultimately brought to a halt and police summoned.

During the search, an 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.

However, one of them escaped before detention while Thomas Chauke escaped before court appearance in November 2021.

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).

Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit for their collaboration with game rangers in ensuring that the accused were arrested and convicted.