SKUKUZA POACHER SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT 

11 December 2025 

SKUKUZA POACHER SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT 

The Skukuza Regional Court has today sentenced Bethuel Baloyi (28) to 16 years’ direct imprisonment for a series of poaching-related offences committed in 2020. He was convicted on multiple counts, including trespassing, killing two rhinos, possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a firearm to commit an offence, possession of live ammunition, conspiracy to commit an offence, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

On 28 March 2020, rangers patrolling the Pretoriuskop Section encountered three suspects carrying rifles and other weapons. The suspects were identified as Million Masilane, Bethuel Baloyi, and Andries Baloyi, a Mozambican national. During the attempted arrest, Andries pointed a firearm at the rangers, who returned fire, resulting in his death. 

The remaining suspects were apprehended and found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and live ammunition. A search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of two rhino carcasses. Baloyi and Masilane were initially granted bail. Although the accused pleaded not guilty during trial, the State presented compelling evidence, including ranger testimony and expert reports confirming that bloodstains found on Baloyi’s clothing matched that of a rhino. In 2023, Baloyi’s co-accused, Masilane, was convicted and sentenced to an effective 16 years' imprisonment. Baloyi absconded following the postponement of the matter for judgment, leading the State to apply for a separation of trials. He was later re-arrested in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal for a similar offence, which remains pending.

Sentences imposed: 

2 years – Trespassing 

10 years – Killing two rhinos

5 years – Possession of a firearm

6 years – Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number 

5 years – Possession of a firearm to commit a crime 

2 years – Possession of live ammunition

4 years – Conspiracy to commit an offence

1 year – Possession of a dangerous weapon 

Some sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective term of 16 years’ direct imprisonment. Baloyi was further declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence and reiterates its commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the country’s natural heritage. Poaching continues to pose a grave threat to South Africa’s biodiversity and endangered species. Ends 

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

DPP Mpumalanga 

076 485 5446