One of the most feared poachers in East Africa has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Boniface Matthew Mariango, nicknamed ‘the devil’, was handed the sentence in a Dodoma court today, March 3, which also happens to be World Wildlife Day.
He was captured with 118 tusks worth over $860,000 USD (1.9 billion TSH.)
Mariango, who is accused of killing thousands of elephants, is said to be linked to 15 gangs in 5 African countries.
He still faces three other related cases.
Tanzania’s elephant population stands at 42,871.