By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A South African national, Elias Sithole, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on Thursday 10 April 2025 by the Skukuza Regional Court for poaching-related activities in the KNP(Kruger National Park).
The court found Sithole guilty on six counts, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, as well as possession of dangerous weapons(knives).
KNP Communication and Marketing Manager, Ike Phaahla, said Sithole was arrested on January 2020 after Kruger and Phabeni Gates Dog Handlers noticed a suspicious vehicle travelling on a gravel road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop. The driver was reportedly flagged and instructed to stop the vehicle but he refused, resulting in a short pursuit.
“ Two males exited the vehicle and fled into the bush whilst the driver remained inside the car. The driver claimed innocence and indicated that the two men who fled had tried to hijack him,” said Phaahla.
According to Phaahla, a hunting rifle, ammunition and two knives were recovered from the vehicle when a team of law enforcement agents which included Rangers, Environmental Investigation Unit, Protection Services, Skukuza SAPS(South African Police Service), Local Criminal Record Centre, were reportedly called to the scene as backup.
