Sanparks said in a statement that the duo was based in the Skukuza section of the KNP. They were arrested in February 2019 for possession of an unlicensed firearm and other related poaching items found in the base camp they were staying during anti-poaching operations.

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The employer dismissed them at the time, but they were later reinstated due to procedural issues. They had been working as general workers until the trial was finalised. Silinda and Mlambo were both found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and sentenced to five years on the charge. They received a further six years for possession of a prohibited firearm; two years for possession of unlicensed ammunition and one year for possession of a dangerous weapon.

The managing executive of the KNP, Dr. Danny Govender said they are happy with the sentence as it demonstrates that the criminal courts are working well. “This has been a long road and our colleagues should be aware of our zero tolerance to corruption.”