The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has reiterated its dedication to enforcing accountability while protecting South Africa’s natural environment and its endangered species.
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
The DPP Mpumalanga made this statement following the Skukuza Regional Court’s decision to convict and sentence three former officials from Skukuza for offences related to poaching.
Nyiko Gumede (40) and Nomsa Ndlovu (42), both former security staff, received sentences of 12 years in direct imprisonment, while their accomplice, technician Ludwick Mhlaba (44), was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
Gumede and Ndlovu faced two charges: the killing of a rhino and conspiracy to commit an illegal act. Mhlaba was found guilty of one count related to the killing of a rhino.
The court learned that on the evening of October 19, 2020, rangers from the Sabie Sand Section responded to reports of gunfire and discovered the carcass of a rhino near a firearm, fresh rhino horns, and a cellphone. It was believed that the suspects had fled upon seeing the rangers.
An initial search did not locate the suspects, but investigators reviewed the cellphone records and found a call made shortly before the rangers arrived at the scene. Police reached out to the last dialled number, pretending to be a corrupt ranger willing to sell the rhino horns for money.
The call was answered by Gumede, and a delivery plan was arranged. Law enforcement then secured authorization for an undercover operation under Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. An undercover officer later verified the arrangement after Ndlovu provided information about the vehicle to be used.
At the designated meeting spot, police discovered all three defendants inside a vehicle operated by Mhlaba. They were arrested at the scene but were later granted bail.
During the proceedings, all three defendants claimed innocence. The prosecution, under Prosecutor Lot Mgiba, presented robust evidence, including testimonies from rangers and police who took part in the sting, along with DNA evidence linking the horns to the rhino carcass located in the Sabie Sand Section.
The court deemed the testimonies of State witnesses credible and convicted the defendants.
In urging for a stiffer penalty, Prosecutor Mgiba pointed out that the defendants violated their duty to protect wildlife by engaging in poaching. He requested a sentence that reflects the seriousness of their actions and serves as a warning to others.
The court found no significant and compelling reasons to justify a lesser sentence than the minimum mandated by law.
Gumede and Ndlovu received a sentence of 10 years for rhino killing and an additional four years for conspiracy, which will run concurrently, leading to a total of 12 years in direct imprisonment. Mhlaba was sentenced to 10 years in direct imprisonment.
All three individuals have also been declared unsuitable for firearm possession.
The impact of poaching remains severe, affecting both ecological balance and social stability. The unlawful slaughter of species like rhinos threatens biodiversity, pushes endangered animals towards extinction, and contributes to organized crime, corruption, and illegal trade—compromising law enforcement and public safety.
