Skukuza Magistrate’s Court in South Africa sentenced a poacher to 22 years in prison on April 30, following his arrest in September 2016.
Caught poaching in Kruger National Park (KNP), Musa Khoza was charged with a variety of offenses, including trespassing in a national park, poaching protected species without a permit, possessing a firearm and ammunition with no license, and receiving stolen property.
The KNP is home to at least half of South Africa’s white rhino population, and also contains a large percentage of the country’s black rhinos. Shockingly, between 2007 and 2014, rhino poaching in South Africa increased by 9000 percent, with the majority of the illegal activity occurring within the KNP.
Government and local authorities have stepped up their protection of the area in recent years, which has resulted in a slight decrease in the number of animals poached. In 2018, 259 fewer rhinos were killed than the preceding year; however, the total was still more than 700 animals — meaning more than two rhinos are slaughtered every day in this heavily protected area, in spite of efforts to deter poachers.
While rhino poaching appears to be dwindling, elephant poaching within the KNP is at an all-time high. In 2018, 71 elephants were killed, a significant jump on the numbers of the previous few years. Conservationists believe that because resources have been funneled into the areas containing rhinos, the elephants in the northern region of the park have become an easy target.
While on-the-ground protection is an essential part of the battle to protect South Africa’s iconic animals, securing appropriate prosecutions and sentences will go a long way to deter poachers. With court cases often dragging on for years and penalties frustratingly inadequate, this is one case that can be considered a win in the war against poaching.

22 years in prison….Good and I hope this ‘thing’ never comes out alive. I’m so tired of reading about these poaching bastards terrorizing innocent animals and this sentence is good, though I would have given “it” death by firing squad.
Yes, cruelty needs to STOP!
jail time isn’t long enough for this poacher. He needs to feel the pain of an arrow or bullet in his side!
22 years is OK but this is murder. He deserves to die.
Absolutely right Robert Morris. Don’t know why this hasn’t been enforced long ago.
Should have give the S.O.B. 44 years in the slammer.
That would have made my day!
Should have given the S.O.B. 44 years.
That would have made me really happy.
Such Greedy Violent Poachers must be Jailed permanently. That way the Others also will get the message. These blood baths are taking place non-stop, due to the so called Judges don’t give enough punishments to these perpetrators. These Judges must be strong & forceful & should need to give the Poachers way more severe punishments. THEN ONLY WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THE WILD ANIMALS MURDER. PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS POACHER NEVER COMES OUT OF THE JAIL.
Hallelujah!! Not really long enough! RIP to all the poor dead animals.
Don’ t lock this person up for 22 years just shoot him job done.
APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!
I agree with Robert Morris, posted here on May 10, 2019 at 9:19 pm. “You will never be able to stop poaching of elephants and rhinos until a world wide ban on the sale, export, or importation of elephant ivory and rhino horns is punishable…” The USE and sale of products made from these animals needs to be banned.
Thanks so much to Skukuza Magistrate’s Court
NOT LONG ENOUGH PRISON TIME. HEFTY FINES MUST BE PAID, TOO. THE MONEY GOING TO ANIMAL PROTECTION GROUPS
Congratulations to South Africa! Now get those elephant killers!
You will never be able to stop poaching of elephants and rhinos until a world wide ban on the sale, export, or importation of elephant ivory and rhino horns is punishable by death for those engaged in the practice.
50 YEARS WITHOUT PAROLE ARE MORE DISCOURAGING!!!
I would say 35 years in prison without parole!!!
This is good news indeed!! 🦏🦏
THIS JERK MUST STAY IN PRISON FOREVER
I like the work you do so cruel people who gutt animals mist go to jail and many animals get Daves and groe upp in lovly New home