SKUKUZA – Three former officials at Skukuza, the administrative headquarters of the Kruger National Park, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their role in rhino poaching, with two former security officers each receiving 12 years’ direct imprisonment.
The Skukuza Regional Court sentenced Nyiko Gumede (40) and Nomsa Ndlovu (42), both former security officers, to an effective 12 years behind bars, whilst their co-accused Ludwick Mhlaba (44), a technician, received 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
Gumede and Ndlovu were convicted on two counts: the killing of a rhino and conspiracy to commit a crime. Mhlaba was convicted on a single count of killing a rhino.
The convictions follow an incident on the night of 19 October 2020, when rangers from the Sabie Sand Section responded to gunshots and discovered a rhino carcass near a firearm, fresh rhino horns and a mobile phone. The perpetrators had fled after noticing the rangers’ approach.
Investigators analysed the recovered mobile phone and identified a call made shortly before the rangers’ arrival. Police then contacted the last dialled number, posing as a corrupt ranger offering to hand over the rhino horns in exchange for payment.
The call was answered by Gumede, who made arrangements for delivery. Police subsequently obtained authorisation for an entrapment operation under Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. An undercover officer later confirmed the arrangement, with Ndlovu providing details of the vehicle to be used.
At the agreed location, police found all three accused inside a vehicle driven by Mhlaba. They were arrested on scene.
During the trial, all three accused pleaded not guilty. The State, led by prosecutor Lot Mgiba, presented evidence including testimony from rangers and police officers involved in the operation, as well as DNA evidence linking the recovered horns to the rhino carcass found in the Sabie Sand Section.
In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Mgiba told the court that the accused had been entrusted with protecting wildlife but had instead betrayed that trust by participating in poaching activities.
The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
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All three accused were also declared unfit to possess firearms.
Monica Nyuswa, NPA Regional Spokesperson, said the National Prosecuting Authority reaffirms its commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage and endangered species.
“Poaching continues to have devastating consequences for both the environment and society. The illegal killing of species such as rhinos threatens biodiversity, drives endangered wildlife closer to extinction, and fuels organised crime, corruption, and illicit trade—undermining the rule of law and community safety,” Nyuswa said.
The Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves and a world-renowned conservation area, has long been a target for rhino poachers due to the high value of rhino horn in illegal international markets.
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