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After a long manhunt spanning several years, Mbongeni Selephi Ngobeni has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison by the Skukuza Regional Court on March 14. Ngobeni was found guilty of illegally hunting rhinoceros, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as trespassing in the Kruger National Park.
The court case dates back to June 21, 2016, when Ngobeni and two accomplices are believed to have entered the park through the Makoko Bridge. Rangers quickly discovered human tracks leading to the carcass of a slaughtered rhino and a large-scale search operation ensued. Ngobeni was apprehended with a high-calibre hunting rifle in his possession.
Initially released on bail, Ngobeni failed to appear for his next scheduled court date on March 19, 2019, prompting authorities to issue an arrest warrant. However, he remained at large until December 2023 when investigators received a crucial tip from the public regarding his whereabouts.
In addition to the lengthy prison sentence, Ngobeni has been declared unfit to possess a firearm. This case underscores the persistent battle against poaching in South Africa’s iconic wildlife reserves and the importance of public cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice, no matter how lengthy the pursuit.