SKUKUZA – The Skukuza Periodical Court passed a sentence that conveyed a message of “no tolerance” to anyone who intends to poach rhino in the Kruger National Park (KNP) today.
Elliot Manzini, a Mozambican national, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for illegally entering the KNP with the intention to poach rhino, the illegal possession of a .458 hunting rifle and the possession of ammunition.
This follows his arrest on May 29, 2015. SANParks rangers arrested Manzini in the KNP’s Crocodile Bridge section.
The Managing Executive of KNP, Glenn Phillips commended the courts for imposing this jail term. “We are happy that the courts have rewarded the hard work done by the Rangers, our Environmental Crime Investigative Unit and the South African Police. The sentencing will also help to lift the morale of all men and women in uniform who constantly have to react to dangerous situations involving rhino poaching,” Phillips said.
