Skukuza – A 33-year-old man who was caught with a pair of rhino horns has been sentenced to three years in prison with an option of a fine of R150 000.
On Friday, (11 July 2024), the Skukuza Specialised Court sentenced Moshe Thobela – Alias “TK” – and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The conviction and sentence follow a lengthy multi-pronged investigation dubbed “Project Broadbill”, which was aimed at tackling rhino horn trafficking.
The investigation involved the Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Middelburg-based police Serious Organised Crime Investigation units together with the Wildlife Trafficking Head Office, Counter CI Head Office, KNP Rangers, and Prosecutor Advocate M Mashuga from the Pretoria Director of Public Prosecutions.
On 12 June 2018, Operation Billfish, which forms part of Project Broadbill, was executed at Hazyview and Witbank.
Thobela and his accomplices were arrested for the unlawful dealing and possession of two rhino horns.
After a series of court appearances, Thobela was found guilty and sentenced.
Commenting on the sentencing, Hawks Provincial Head Major General Nicolas Gerber “welcomed the sentence and applauded the multidisciplinary team for work done”.
Major General Gerber urged the public to blow the whistle on “these heartless criminals who pillage our wildlife”.
