Bernet Sibuyi (54) and Evans Mashele (59). (Photo: NPA)
The Skukuza Regional Court in Mpumalanga sentenced Bernet Sibuyi (54) and Evans Mashele (59) to eight years’ imprisonment each for offenses related to game poaching. The men were found guilty on two charges, namely the illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime.
According to Monica Nyuswa, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the case stems from an incident on 21 January 2021 when members of the tracking unit in Calcutta received information about three suspected poachers.
“The men were in a vehicle en route to the Kruger National Park near Utha Village. The police responded quickly to the information, intercepted the vehicle and seized a hunting rifle in the possession of the three occupants.”
Although the three suspects were arrested, they were later released on bail. However, they failed to report back to court, after which warrants were issued for their arrest.
“Sibuyi and Mashele were re-arrested shortly afterwards. However, the third accused, Sibusiso Mahlaula, is still at large.”
(Archive photo: Isabel Venter/Maroela Media)
The accused pleaded not guilty during the trial and denied all the allegations against them. However, Lot Mgiba, the public prosecutor, laid crucial evidence before the court.
“This included the testimony of the arresting officer, as well as a ballistics report that linked the firearm to the crime. The court rejected the defendants’ version and found them guilty on all the charges against them.”
The court sentenced the accused to four years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit a crime, as well as eight years imprisonment for possession of a firearm. However, the sentences must be served concurrently, meaning both men will be behind bars for eight years.
Nyuswa says the NPA welcomes the sentence and reiterated the authority’s commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage.
“Wild poaching remains a serious threat to the country’s biodiversity and endangered species, and the NPA will continue to work with law enforcement to combat such crimes.”