TimesLIVE reports that the Skukuza Regional Court in Mpumalanga has convicted and sentenced two former game rangers to seven years' imprisonment for poaching-related offences.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said in February 2019 Hendrick Experience Silinda and Musa Mlambo were on duty when regional rangers received information about poachers about to enter the Kruger National Park with the assistance of the Skukuza rangers. “They went to the camp where the two officials were deployed and started searching. They found Silinda and Mlambo in possession of a hunting rifle, ammunition, a silencer and three hunting knives,” said Nyuswa. The pair pleaded not guilty and claimed they were framed. But, the arresting officers testified about how they found the rifle, which did not belong to SANParks, hidden in their tent. The pair were convicted of possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with a serial number obliterated, possession of ammunition and possession of hunting knives. They were sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment each. The court ordered some of the sentences to run concurrently so the effective sentence is seven years' imprisonment each.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Belinda Pheto at TimesLIVE
• Lees ook, Voormalige veldwagters gevonnis oor wapens in wildtuin, by Maroela Media

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