Repeat poaching offender handed a fifteen-year prison sentence

Posted by Olerato Ramafsi on 20 February 2023

A man was recently sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for poaching-related offences in Skukuza Regional Court, Mpumalanga.

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Picture: Casey Pratt

Een Sihlangu, a 24-year-old man, was convicted of trespassing in the Kruger National Park, possessing a firearm with a removed serial number and carrying ammunition and dangerous weapons.

‘Sihlangu was charged along with his co-accused Forster Lubisi, who pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to 32 years’ imprisonment by the same court. This resulted in a separation of trials,’ said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

Sihlangu was arrested on two separate occasions while illegally entering the Kruger National Park

In 2018, he and Lubisi were found to possess a firearm, seven bullets, an axe and a knife. Sihlangu was arrested and later granted bail.

In April 2021, he and Lubisi entered the Stolsnek section of the Kruger National Park. They were found to possess eight live rounds of ammunition, three knives and a firearm, said Nyuswa.

‘Sihlangu pleaded not guilty during the trial and later changed his plea to guilty. The state prosecutor Lot Mgiba handed in ballistic reports which proved that the firearm he had in his possession was prohibited and had its serial number erased.’

‘The State told the court that the accused did not show remorse for his actions. After he committed the first offence, he continued with illegal poaching,’ said Nyuswa.

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