POACHER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR KRUGER NATIONAL PARK OFFENCES

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the effective 10-year direct imprisonment sentence imposed on Raphael Ngobeni (42), a Mozambican national, for offences committed in the Kruger National Park in April 2026.

The NPA reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting South Africa’s biodiversity and ensuring accountability for crimes committed in protected areas.

Ngobeni was convicted on seven counts: trespassing; contravening the Immigration Act; conspiracy to commit an offence; possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm for the purpose of committing a crime; possession of ammunition; and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The court heard that on 01 April 2026, the Kruger National Park’s technical surveillance team detected suspicious movement by suspected poachers in the Houtboschrand area. Rangers were deployed to investigate.

On arrival, they encountered two suspects in possession of a hunting rifle, and a shootout ensued.

Ngobeni sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the confrontation and was apprehended at the scene. His alleged accomplice, Patrick Hlungwane, also a Mozambican national, evaded arrest and remains at large.

Ngobeni was denied bail and has remained in custody since April 2026. When the matter proceeded to trial, he pleaded guilty to all seven charges and was convicted. State Prosecutor Lot Mgiba presented evidence including testimony from Department of Home Affairs officials, who confirmed that Ngobeni was unlawfully in South Africa, and ballistic evidence confirming that the recovered firearm was a hunting rifle.

The court imposed the following sentences:

Trespassing: two years’ imprisonment.

Contravention of the Immigration Act: one year’s imprisonment.

Conspiracy to commit an offence: four years’ imprisonment.

Possession of a firearm: six years’ imprisonment.

Possession of a firearm for the purpose of committing a crime: four years’ imprisonment.

Possession of ammunition: two years’ imprisonment.

Possession of a dangerous weapon: one year’s imprisonment.

The court ordered that the sentences on counts 3, 5 and 6 run concurrently with the six-year sentence for possession of a firearm. The remaining sentences were structured to result in an effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment.

Ngobeni was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the relevant provisions of the Firearms Control Act.

The NPA regards wildlife crime and rhino poaching as serious offences that threaten South Africa’s natural heritage, undermine conservation efforts and fuel transnational organised crime.

This successful prosecution and the custodial sentence send a clear message that those who enter protected areas to commit environmental crimes will face the full might of the law.

The NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies and conservation authorities to combat poaching and protect the country’s biodiversity for future generations.

ENDS

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga