Leonard Mhlongo was sentenced to 14 years in prison on 2 counts of poaching and 1 count of trespass in the Kruger National Park. Major General Johan Jooste, Officer Commanding Special Projects in Kruger, said: “On behalf of our men and women on the ground, we all congratulate the prosecuting team led by Isbet Erwee, the investigators who worked tirelessly to close any loopholes, and the court for the stiff sentence handed down. Congratulations are also due to my team for their part in arresting these criminals and preserving the crime scene. “The battle (against rhino poaching) is going to be won from the outside as well as by those working inside Kruger and developments such as this stiff sentence can only be welcomed." A total of 553 rhinos have been killed so far this year, 345 were poached in Kruger. (Source : DAN)