KATHU – After a lengthy trial, three poachers received a combined sentence of 75 years in prison for their brazen crimes near the South African and Botswana border. On Thursday, March 14th, 2024, the Kathu High Court convicted David Mecwi (27), Kethamile Kooper (26), and Tebogo Megare (27) on multiple charges.
The incident began in April 2020 when police were alerted to footprints entering a farm known to be a target for poachers. Law enforcement acted quickly, deploying helicopters and the Anti-Poaching Unit to track the suspects.
An aerial search led to the suspects being spotted, with ground units closing in. A firefight broke out, resulting in the death of one poacher and injuries to the three others, who were later apprehended and hospitalized.
Following numerous court appearances, the three men faced serious consequences:
- Count 1: Illegal Immigration: 12 years imprisonment
- Count 2: Possession of Firearm: 5 years imprisonment
- Count 3: Possession of Unlicensed Firearm: 5 years imprisonment
- Count 4: Possession of Unlawful Ammunition: 5 years imprisonment
- Count 5: Entering Land with Wild Animals with Possession of a Weapon: 2 years imprisonment
- Count 6: Entering a Restricted Captivity with a Threatened Species: 2 years imprisonment
- Count 7: Attempted Murder: Not guilty
- Count 8: Murder: 10 years imprisonment
Counts 3 and 4 will run concurrently. Each individual will serve 25 years of direct imprisonment.
The harsh sentences send a clear message that South Africa takes wildlife crimes and border security very seriously.