The Department of Environmental Affairs welcomes the lengthy prison sentence handed down in the Skukuza Regional Court to a rhino poacher arrested in the Kruger National Park in 2015. The sentencing of Patrick Nkuna to 33 years and three months direct imprisonment sends a strong message to would-be poachers that this is a crime that does not pay.
Nkuna was arrested in the Kruger National Park in November 2015 after he killed a black rhino and shot at a SANParks helicopter involved in the follow-up operation. He had been charged with four counts of attempted murder, trespassing, rhino poaching and four counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He admitted to the charges against him.
The sentence by the Skukuza Regional Court serves as confirmation of the effectiveness of the court that deals specifically with rhino poaching related cases in the Kruger National Park.