Skukuza Poacher Jailed for Sixteen Years

A 28-year-old man involved in the killing of two rhinos in the Kruger National Park has been sentenced to 16 years’ direct imprisonment after being found guilty on numerous poaching-related charges.

The Skukuza Regional Court on 11 December 2025 handed down the sentence to Bethuel Baloyi, who committed the offences in 2020. Baloyi 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.

The case stems from an incident on 28 March 2020, when rangers patrolling the Pretoriuskop Section encountered three armed suspects: Million Masilane, Bethuel Baloyi and Mozambican national Andries Baloyi. During an attempted arrest, Andries allegedly pointed a firearm at the rangers, who returned fire, resulting in his death.

The remaining suspects were arrested and found with a firearm bearing an obliterated serial number and live ammunition. A further search led to the discovery of two rhino carcasses. Although Baloyi and Masilane pleaded not guilty and were initially granted bail, the State presented compelling evidence, including ranger testimony and expert reports confirming that bloodstains on Baloyi’s clothing matched rhino blood.

In 2023, co-accused Masilane was convicted and sentenced to 16 years. Baloyi absconded after the matter was postponed for judgment, prompting a separation of trials. He was later re-arrested in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal for a similar offence, which remains pending.

The court imposed the following sentences:

• 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 will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 16-year term. Baloyi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the outcome, reaffirming its commitment to accountability and the protection of South Africa’s endangered wildlife.