JOHANNESBURG – Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Minister, Dr. Dion George, has commended the 18-year prison sentence handed to a 51-year-old Congolese rhino poacher and money launderer by the Middelburg Regional Court last week.
The poacher pleaded guilty to all charges during a brief court appearance on Wednesday. Meanwhile, his 15 co-accused are set to appear in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela later this month.
The sentencing follows the Minister’s recent participation in a course at the Southern African Wildlife College, where he gained both ranger skills and deeper insight into the challenges of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
“The era of poachers terrorizing South African wildlife is coming to an end,” George stated. “This sentence reflects our strengthened zero-tolerance approach to poaching, and we trust the justice system will hold the rest of the suspected syndicate accountable.”
However, George expressed disappointment that the poacher, who operated in the Kruger National Park, collaborated with locals. Reports suggest that syndicate members bribed park rangers for information to facilitate their illegal activities.
“These isolated cases of corruption among rangers and locals will not overshadow the dedication of the majority who risk their lives to protect our wildlife,” he said, urging South Africans to continue supporting the country’s committed rangers.
In a decisive move against poaching, the Minister has directed legal teams to oppose bail for any poachers caught in national parks.
“This will send a strong message that poaching is economic sabotage, and those involved will face the full weight of the law,” George concluded.
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