Breaking! Norman Khoza Sentenced To 37 Years In Prison Following The 2015 Poaching & Killing Of A Rhino And Her Baby In South Africa

Some sense of justice was recently served when Norman Khoza was sentenced to 37 years in prison for the killing of a rhino and her baby in Kruger National Park back in 2015.

The 35-year-old poacher, also charged for being an illegal immigrant in South Africa, was convicted of eight poaching and firearm-related charges on July 31st 2019 in the Mhala Regional Court.

As per a statement posted on the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa’s (NPA) Facebook page, Khoza was arrested in March of 2015 in Kruger National Park after a field ranger found rhino carcasses and followed the poacher’s tracks.

While Khoza maintained his innocence throughout the trial and pleaded not guilty, the state was able to provide evidence supplied by the rangers and the officer investigating the case, as well as DNA of the three horns that were found with Khoza.

While determining the sentence, the state addressed the court by sharing the plight of the rhino species and the immense strain that is put on rangers. The detrimental effect on the economy, Khoza’s lack of remorse, and the brutality and heartlessness of the killings. These factors were all taken into consideration along with the public outcry that ensued calling for justice to be served for the rhino mother and her calf who were viciously killed.

In handing down the sentence, the presiding officer considered all relevant factors and indicated that the court is “in the service of the community and the voice for animals which cannot speak for themselves.”

“Poaching has a negative side effect that can have impact on local communities, wildlife populations, and the environment,” concluded the statement from the NPA which welcomed the sentence.

You can help all animals by choosing compassion on your plate. #GoVeg

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg

More on this topic

Popular stories

Victory! The First Province In Cambodia, Siem Reap, Bans The Barbaric Dog Meat Trade Saving The Lives Of 7,000 Dogs Per Month

One of Southeast Asia’s most iconic tourist attractions is making major strides to protect millions of dogs throughout the country. After FOUR PAWS revealed...

Three Poachers Have Been Arrested For The Brutal Killing Of Four Rhinos For Their Horns In Kruger National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed that on the morning of July 1st, a tourist reported to the Malelane Ranger station in Kruger National...

Breaking! New Lawsuit To Force The Trump Administration To Stop The U.S. Pangolin Trade Filed By Coalition of Animal Welfare Organizations

A coalition of wildlife groups filed a  notice  of intent today to sue the Trump administration for failing to propose pangolin protections under the U.S. Endangered Species...