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Three men, including two Mozambican nationals, were sentenced to effective eight years in jail following their conviction on charges of conspiracy to commit rhino poaching.
Fifty-one-year-old Mozambican Simon Sihlangu, and 45-year-old countryman, Albert Makhubela as well as South African, Jimmy Molefe (39, were sentenced in the Tlhabane regional court this week.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the charges followed their arrest in October 2017 at Mziki Lodge near Rustenburg following a tip-off.
Police conducted an under-cover operation after receiving information about people who were going to the lodge to poach rhinos.
NPA spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya, said the court heard during proceedings that that the three arrived at the lodge in three bakkies and were arrested upon arrival at the gate.
Gunya said after searching the vehicles police found found a rifle, ammunition, a hacksaw, as well as a knife and axe, hidden in the tailgate of the third vehicle.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the province, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team.