The Skukuza Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Bernet Sibuyi (54) and Evans Mashele (59) to eight years’ direct imprisonment each for poaching related offences committed in 2021.
According to Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the two men were convicted on two counts, namely possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit an offence.
“On 21 January 2021, members of the Tracking Unit in Calcutta received intelligence regarding three suspected poachers travelling towards the Kruger National Park near Utha Village.
“Acting swiftly on this information, police intercepted the vehicle and found three occupants in possession of a hunting rifle. All three suspects were arrested and later released on bail. However, they subsequently absconded, prompting the issuance of warrants of arrest. This led to the re arrest of Sibuyi and Mashele. The third accused, Sibusiso Mahlaula, remains at large,” she said.
During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations against them.
State prosecutor Lot Mgiba led evidence, including testimony from the arresting officer as well as a ballistic report linking the firearm to the offence.
Nyuswa said the court rejected the accused’s version and found them guilty as charged.
“In sentencing, the court imposed four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit an offence and eight years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of eight years’ direct imprisonment each,” she said.