Man sentenced in Skukuza Regional Court for possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit an offence
Elphas Xidzinga recently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced Elphas Xidzinga (28) to 14 years of direct imprisonment on January 17.
Xidzinga pleaded guilty and was convicted of possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit an offence.
The court declared that he is unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
On November 19, 2015, Elphas along with Jaftha Xidzinga and Mavis Chauke were arrested. On that day, the trio, posing as tourists, attempted to enter the Kruger Park through Numbi Gate.
Also read: Man caught attempting to hunt in KNP sentenced to 9 years
During a vehicle search done by rangers, a hunting rifle with an obliterated serial number was discovered hidden underneath the seat.
His brother, Jaftha, was granted bail, but absconded. Chauke pleaded not guilty and her trial was postponed to February 8.
Monica Nyuswa, the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson, said it remains their commitment to prosecute poaching-related cases to combat the scourge of rhino poaching.
