Muxiyi Nelyo Hlangwana (33) and Khensa Timote Chauke (23) appeared in the Skukuza Regional Court yesterday to hear their fate after they were found guilty of an attempted poaching incident in the Kruger National Park (KNP) earlier this year.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Hlangwana and Chauke had entered the KNP through the Sabi Game Park on April 19, armed with a high-calibre hunting rifle and other hunting equipment.

On-duty field rangers working at the Tshokwane section of the park spotted two sets of footprints at Sundwini and followed up the trail using tracking dogs. Mohlala said the two men were arrested and found in possession of the rifle with a silencer, four rounds of live ammunition, an axe, backpacks and food.

“It was discovered that the two men are from Mozambique and did not have valid documentation to be in South Africa.”

He said they pleaded guilty during their first day in court and eventually sentenced yesterday.

On count one for the contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, the two accused were sentenced to one year’s imprisonment. On count two for trespassing, they were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. On count three on conspiracy to commit an offence, they were sentenced to four years. Meanwhile, on count four of possession of a dangerous weapon, they were sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

The court has ordered that count one and count two, as well as count three and four, run concurrently. The duo will effectively serve six years behind bars.

“The two were not sentenced for the possession of a firearm and ammunition pending the finalisation of an outstanding investigation, however, they will be sentenced [on these counts] at a later stage,” said Mohlala.

The South African National Parks (SANParks) in November announced that they are increasing surveillance at KNP entry gates as part of the festive season anti-crime prevention.

According to acting KNP managing executive Dr Danny Govender, these measures are necessitated by the recent spike in poaching, especially snaring and poisoning which is indiscriminate and kills any animal that gets in contact with those elements.