Two men get six years behind bars for attempted poaching in KNP

Two men, Muxiyi Nelyo Hlangwana (33) and Khensa Timote Chauke (23), have been sentenced to six years in prison following an attempted poaching incident in the Kruger National Park (KNP) earlier this year.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Hlangwana and Chauke had entered the KNP through the Sabi Game Park on April 19 armed with a high-calibre hunting rifle and other hunting equipment.

On-duty field rangers working at the Tshokwane Section of the park spotted two sets of footprints at Sundwini and followed up the trail using tracking dogs.
Mohlala said the two men were arrested and found in possession of a high-calibre hunting rifle with a silencer, four rounds of live ammunition, an axe, backpacks and food.

“Through an investigation it was discovered that the two are from Mozambique and did not have valid documentation to be in South Africa.”
He said they pleaded guilty during their first day in court, and hence were sentenced today.

On count one, for contravention of the Immigration Act, the two accused were sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.
On count two, for trespassing, they were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
On count three, on conspiracy to commit an offence, they were sentenced to four years. Meanwhile on count four of possession of a dangerous weapon (an axe), they were both sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

The court has ordered that count one and count two will run concurrently while count three and four will run concurrently.
The duo will effectively serve six years behind bars.

“The two were not not sentenced for possession of a firearm and ammunition pending the finalisation of an outstanding investigation; however they will be sentenced at a later stage,” said Mohlala.