Kruger Park elephant poachers jailed by Limpopo court
The two men from Mozambique were arrested in November 2018 near Skukuza inside the Kruger National Park.
LIMPOPO – The National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed the sentences handed to two Mozambique nationals found guilty for poaching related offences by the Malamulele Regional Court.
Enock Sibanda(31) and Eckson Shirinda (28) were arrested by Kruger National Park rangers on 14 November 2018 and were each sentenced to eight year’s imprisonment, said Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the Regional Spokesperson of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Limpopo.
Malabi-Dzhangi explained that the duo were convicted of trespassing, contravention of Immigration Act, possession of prohibited obliterated firearm, possession of ammunition, illegal hunting and killing of an elephant, despite pleading not guilty.
She added that Sibanda was also found guilty of possession of an illegal firearm.
During the trial, State Prosecutor, Norman Makhubele argued the affect animal poaching has on the environment. He told the court that the poaching of animals, specifically those that are endangered can lead to the species becoming extinct. He asked for a suitable sentence, she explained.
“The accused persons were jointly convicted for these charges through common purpose.”
The court sentenced Sibanda and Shirinda to eight years for illegal hunting and killing of an elephant by removing its tusk, 12 months’ imprisonment for trespassing, and additional 12 months for contravention of the Immigration Act and eight years for possession of prohibited obliterated firearm and ammunition.
The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
