NPA SECURES 11-YEAR DIRECT IMPRISONMENT SENTENCES FOR TWO SKUKUZA POACHERS

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the successful prosecution and sentencing of two poachers, Ephraim Bheki Siwela (43) and Kobus Simon Sambo (40), who were each sentenced to 11 years' direct imprisonment by the Skukuza Regional Court for multiple poaching-related offences committed within the Kruger National Park.

The accused were convicted on seven counts, namely trespassing in a national park, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for the commission of an offence, conspiracy to commit an offence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The court heard that on 30 May 2021, the Technology Operations Manager of the Kruger National Park detected suspicious movement in the Pretoriuskop section of the park believed to be that of poachers. Aerial surveillance was immediately deployed, leading investigators to two sets of footprints. While tracking the footprints, field rangers discovered a firearm and hunting knives. The search continued and, approximately five metres from where the items were recovered, the rangers found Siwela and Sambo hiding in nearby vegetation. The pair was immediately arrested.

Further investigations established that the footwear worn by the accused matched the footprints being tracked by the rangers. The accused were subsequently released on bail pending trial.

During the trial, both accused pleaded not guilty. State Prosecutor Lot Mgiba led evidence from the Technology Operations Manager and presented expert testimony linking the footprints to the accused's footwear. Ballistic analysis further connected the firearm recovered at the scene to the accused.

The court sentenced each accused as follows:

Three years' imprisonment for trespassing in a national park.

Eight years' imprisonment for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Six years' imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Four years' imprisonment for possession of a firearm for the commission of an offence.

Four years' imprisonment for conspiracy to commit an offence.

Two years' imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition; and

One year's imprisonment for possession of a dangerous weapon.

The court ordered that the sentences imposed for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for the commission of an offence, conspiracy to commit an offence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a dangerous weapon run concurrently with the eight-year sentence imposed for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

In addition, the three-year sentence for trespassing was ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective sentence of 11 years' direct imprisonment for each accused. The court further declared both accused unfit to possess firearms.

This successful prosecution highlights the effectiveness of coordinated anti-poaching operations and demonstrates the value of collaboration between conservation authorities, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors in combating wildlife crime. The sentence sends a strong message that those involved in poaching and related criminal activities will face serious consequences.

The NPA remains committed to protecting South Africa's wildlife heritage and ensuring that perpetrators of environmental and wildlife crimes are held accountable through the criminal justice system.

Ends

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Director of Public Prosecutions, Mpumalanga